OPRAH INSPIRES LOCAL “LEGEND” TO THROW A PARTY FOR OTHER LEGENDS

By Marjorie J. Hurst

Throughout the U.S.A. and, probably the world, the name “Oprah Winfrey” has become synonymous with positive acts of kindness and unabashed generosity. Recently, as Oprah reflected on the many great women who had inspired her, she decided to throw a party for these special ladies.

And last month, Eunice “Lucille” Kennedy decided to do the same thing. After reading about Oprah’s party in her magazine, Lucille thought about all the “special” women that she knew -- women in her age category from all walks of life who deserved to be celebrated, women who were positive about life and whom she described as "legends." With the help of a few friends, a list was developed and approximately 130 ladies got dressed up and came out to the Springfield Country Club on a Sunday afternoon and had fun being with other women and celebrating being sisters and girlfriends.

The women mingled over cocktails and hor d'ouevres, conversed throughout dinner, laughed a lot and simply had a good old-fashioned time. The atmosphere was elegant. The food was delicious. The program, led by Donna Jordan, was just right – not too long and not too short. The entertainment provided by pianist, Mrs. Bennye Crawford, and soloist, Joy Alder, was exceptional, and the speaker, Helen Caulton-Harris, was inspirational. The party was just downright uplifting and “special.”

When asked whether there will be a repeat of this event, Lucille responded that she’s thinking about a follow-up because so many women had such a good time and she really enjoys entertaining. And, although she didn’t give her guests diamond earrings like Oprah did at her party, each woman was given a gift of a CD entitled, “Girlfriends -- Living Your Best Life Celebration” and a copy of an original poem, “Lives Laced,” written just for the occasion and recited by Colleen White Holmes that captured the spirit of the celebration of "women-friends" that went on at the party. The poem can be found on page 24.

For Lucille, a life-long Springfield resident and the owner of Solid Gold Beauty Palace, the party fulfilled one of her dreams. And if the reactions of her guests are any indication, it was an evening that won’t soon be forgotten. Emurriel Holloway summed up the feelings for many of the guests when she commented, "The camaraderie and spirit of those present was awesome! This event celebrating women was long overdue and I look forward to others like it!"n