In honor of International Women’s Day 2019, two of Austin’s most successful women are combining their creative talents to help women who are facing hardships in developing countries. Master photographer, Gray Hawn, and restaurateur, Jennifer McNevin of Manuel’s Restaurant, are raising funds for the Finding Freedom through Friendship organization which helps single mothers and widows in Guatemala and Egypt. Jennifer McNevin states, “Thousands of mothers spend every waking moment struggling to overcome the most difficult of circumstances just to care for and feed their children and themselves. Our fundraising efforts make it possible for these women not only to survive but to thrive by helping to build homes, provide healthy, nutritional food, clean water, and educational opportunities.”
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I’m honored an exhibit of my work entitled, Romancing Light will raise funds for women in the Middle East and in Central America who would otherwise suffer in silence and isolation,“ says Gray Hawn. Hawn is donating 25% of the proceeds from her exhibit to the Finding Freedom Through Friendship organization.
$1 from each Power-Up Woman Frozen Margarita goes to Finding Freedom Through Friendship
About Finding Freedom Through Friendship
The organization's three major goals are to improve the health of the participants through nutrition, vitamins, and basic healthcare; break the yoke of poverty by providing education to children, and to improve the family’s quality of life through sustainable structures of housing, furniture, and microloans. Since it was founded in 2009, 491 widows and their children have been assisted, 32 homes established, and 43 micro-business projects launched allowing Guatemalan and Egyptian widows to fund their own profit-making enterprise. Most importantly, 221 scholarships have been awarded to children. Graduates include an indigenous female nurse, a lawyer, and several teachers. Currently, 95 students are receiving educational assistance, which remains the number one request by our widowed participants. Links to
About Manuel’s Restaurant
Friendly service and an outstanding menu make Manuel’s an Austin favorite, and a “must” for those who want to experience high-quality Interior and Coastal Mexican food. Family owned and operated for over 30 years, Manuel’s has a long history of giving back to the community by generously supporting local charities, the arts, & non-profits. Located downtown at 310 Congress Avenue in the heart of Austin’s historic business and entertainment district, and in Great Hills in the Arboretum with dining among Giant Live Oaks, fountains and tropical gardens. Manuel’s is open seven days a week for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and Sunday brunch with live music.
About Grey Hawn
Grey Hawn’s clients span six continents and include high profile international celebrities, presidents, and royalty. Her artwork and photographs have won numerous awards and graced the walls of museums including the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., & Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.