by Kennedi Holder
Friends, family, and loved ones congregated Saturday to remember the life of a local entrepreneur and support an altruistic cause at the 3rd Annual Pure White Affair hosted by the Foundation for Fortitude.
The Foundation of Fortitude founded three years ago by local entrepreneur Sherry Blue, helps young women realize that they are their own dream. The organization provides scholarships and mentors to female students at area colleges and engages them in community outreach. Now a year after her passing, the Foundation is continuing to transform lives.
Students in the program are required to participate in community service projects and volunteer at local agencies throughout the First Coast. Last week, over 200 young ladies, family, friends and supporters attended the Third Annual Foundation for Fortitude ‘Pure White’ fundraiser held at the Grand Rose Ballroom on Arlington Expressway.
Since the inception of the event, Marlo Hampton, friend of The Real Housewives of Atlanta has served as the guest host. Hampton, a fashion enthusiast and entrepreneur spoke to the audience about her foster care upbringing, experiences in entrepreneurship and her Glam it Up Girls non-profit organization. “Continue to strive and know that the world is yours,” Hampton said. “Continue to be a leader and not a follower. Anything I need to do to help you all I will too,” Hampton said.
Traquel Gamble is a junior at Edward Waters College. She was a mentee of the foundation who returned this year and plans to come back. She looked back fondly on her time as a mentee. “It showed us how to be successful,” Gamble said. “How you should act, how you shouldn’t act, how you should dress, how you should carry yourself.” Gamble also spoke on Blue as role model and career woman. “She showed us without saying, what the ultimate woman is,” Gamble said.
Blue’s sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. presented a check for $2,642.25 in support of her foundation. A group comprised of Blue’s closest friends also presented a check for $4,000 to the Foundation for Fortitude. Foundation for Fortitude president Rodericka Webb-Wilkinson thanked attendees for their support and shared how the night honored Blue’s legacy. “I can guarantee you she’s smiling from up above,” said Webb-Wilkinson.
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