Earlier this week GODIVA Chocolatier announced it’s 2014 Lady GODIVA Honorees: Erin Dinan, Molly Rockamann, and Stephanie Bowman, who will each receive a $10,000 grant for their exemplary philanthropic work and embodiment of the Lady GODIVA spirit through selflessness, generosity, leadership and giving back to their community. GODIVA created the Lady GODIVA program to celebrate inspirational women around the world, and inspire others to give back as well. This year, GODIVA has chosen to expand this cause marketing program, from honoring one woman annually to honoring three.
Since its inception, the Lady GODIVA Program has received tremendous response from the GODIVA community, where individuals nominate and vote for honorees at LadyGODIVAProgram.com. This overwhelming response led GODIVA to modify the program this year and award one nominee in three designated categories with the title of Lady GODIVA Honoree. Each of the three women selected as an honoree was chosen amongst peers in their respective category which are, Health, Wellness & Hunger; Children, Family & Poverty; and The Environment.
The honorees were announced at a breakfast hosted by GODIVA, and held at the Rent the Runway store inside Henri Bendel, on March 4th in New York City. Each honoree was introduced to event guests by Jeri Finard and Jim Goldman, GODIVA CEO, and each was presented with a grant check of $10,000. Each honoree was outfitted by Rent the Runway in a look selected by her for the special occasion.
Health, Wellness & Hunger Honoree:
Erin Dinan, Founder of One Sandwich at a Time Inc., New York, NY
Erin Dinan’s personal project of photographing and documenting the homeless population of New York City grew into a nonprofit organization dedicated to making and distributing sandwiches to homeless men, women, and children. Aptly called One Sandwich at a Time, Erin’s organization brings together up to 50 people to make 1,000 sandwiches for local shelters at each monthly event. Website: onesandwichatatime.com
Children, Family & Poverty Honoree:
Stephanie Bowman, Founder of One Heart for Women and Children, Orlando, FL
15 years ago, Stephanie Bowman was homeless and addicted to drugs, living in an area where 50% of children go to bed hungry every night. Today she heads One Heart for Women and Children, a vital source of support for needy families and individuals in central Florida. Helping well over 2,000 people a month by distributing over 10,000 pounds of food, Stephanie’s working to make the odds a little better for that 50%. Website: oneheartforwomenandchildren.org
The Environment Honoree:
Molly Rockamann, Founder of EarthDance, Ferguson, MO
Wanting to do more to support her community’s health and economy, Molly Rockamann started an apprenticeship program at an organic farm in St. Louis to educate the next generation of organic farmers. Now, EarthDance farm grows more than 75 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs; operates a program that provides city residents with fresh produce straight from the farm; and trains apprentices to operate their own organic farming businesses. Website: earthdancefarms.org
“GODIVA is a company synonymous with giving,” says Jeri Finard, President, North America, GODIVA Chocolatier. “Through the Lady GODIVA program, we are able to create a platform to support women who are focused on bettering the world around them by giving back to their communities. Each of these honorees demonstrates extraordinary generosity and selflessness and GODIVA is honored to contribute to each of their successes through these grants.”
The Lady GODIVA Program launched in November 2011, to celebrate inspirational women around the world who embody the attributes of Lady Godiva through selflessness, generosity, leadership and giving back to their community. In 2012, GODVIA named Lauren Bush Lauren, Chief FEEDer and Co-Founder of FEED Projects LLC, the first Lady GODIVA Honoree for her work to create good products that help FEED the world. Together GODIVA and FEED were able to give back over 300,000 meals to those in need. In April 2012, GODIVA launched the Local Lady GODIVA program to recognize exceptional women on a local scale.
GODIVA is currently accepting submissions for next year’s honorees. This Saturday, March 8th is International Women’s Day so if you know a woman you think personifies the Lady GODIVA spirit, visit ladygodivaprogram.com to learn more the program and nominate a worthy candidate.
– Lauren Dimet Waters
Photos: Aydin Arjomand
