The Oasis Center of Women and Girls presents its yearly talent showcase next week. The event helps fund programs that are needed now more than ever. All the recent stories about the negative impact of social media on the self-image of girls made a big impression on Stephanie Shumate. She serves on the board of the Oasis Center for Women and Girls.
"I love social media for the good that it does. But especially for young women, or any women and men, that sense of impression or perception of a reality. And this past year it's been tough because that's sometimes all that people have."
But Shumate said these kinds of situations are precisely what Oasis Center programs are intended to address.
"I think the Girls' Circles that we do in the schools are invaluable work. Especially also we have a Moms' Circle as well, giving them skills and a place to be who they are with other amazing women and girls alongside of them."
Shumate is also this year's chair for a very special event.
"Next Thursday is our 11th annual Celebration of Women and Girls, benefiting the Oasis Center for Women and Girls."
A happening that provides a public stage for creativity.
"We'll have different performers of all different genres and levels, just coming out to showcase all this great local talent, celebrating the wonderful women and girls in our community."
But Shumate said that's just part of the evening's attractions.
"Not only great kinds of talent and female artistic expression, from poetry and comedy and everything in between, but we will have food and beverages as well as a virtual silent auction, so you don't have to attend the event. Anyone can participate in the silent auction worldwide because it's virtual and it's a great fundraiser to bring in all those valuable resources for the events and programs that Oasis puts on a year-by-year basis."
It's all coming up a week from this Thursday.
"From 5 to 8 p.m. and it's at the Tallahassee Community College Performing Arts Theatre. T.C.C. is our signature sponsor. They've been so wonderful this year helping us put on this great event and we're really excited to be hosting it in their beautiful theatre next Thursday."
Shumate said the Oasis Center web site has everything attendees might need in advance.
"You can find the Celebration tickets still available on our web site and then the virtual auction will go live this Friday, the 15th."
Which provides plenty of time to place bids before the actual celebration next week.
