Press release from IPFW:
Molly Ringwald to be 2011 Tapestry Keynote Speaker
(September 9, 2010) – Who can forget Claire, the high school princess, the shy, vulnerable Samantha, or Andie, the girl from the poor side of town?  Those characters and the films that spawned them have become part of the American fabric of teen angst, love, and heartbreak. A big reason for that is the actress who portrayed all three of those characters, Molly Ringwald. It was announced at a news conference today (Sept. 9, 2010) that Ringwald will be the luncheon keynote speaker at Tapestry—A Day for Women, Friday, April 29, 2011, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
Ringwald currently stars in the ABC Family series The Secret Life of the American Teenager and is the best-selling author of Getting The Pretty Back: Friendship, Family, and Finding the Perfect Lipstick. She seeks to empower women everywhere to be “the sexiest, funniest, smartest, best-dressed, and most confident women possible.” Whether she’s discussing sex and beauty, personal style, travel and entertaining, motherhood, or friendships, she embodies the spirit of being fabulous at every age. Her presentation, “Pretty is a State of Mind: Empowering Women to be their True Best Selves,” is sure to please the Tapestry audience.
Also at today’s news conference, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) Chancellor Mike Wartell related some facts and figures of Tapestry’s nine-year history. “Since it first began, 7,700 women have attended Tapestry. Over $370,000 has been raised to support scholarships to IPFW women studying health and sciences and of that, $69,000 has been awarded in scholarships. Last year, we set a record with the number of scholarships awarded: five deserving women received scholarships totaling $28,000. And, because of last year’s success, up to $35,000 in scholarships can be awarded at Tapestry next April,” said Wartell.
Ruth Stone, Tapestry project manager, announced Parkview Health as the partner sponsor again this year. Jacquelyn Alt, executive director of women and children’s services at Parkview, said “Just as Parkview Women’s Health Center recognizes the unique health and wellness needs of each woman individually throughout the stages of her life, Tapestry provides a fun day for women of all ages with varied interests. Women’s lives are hectic and full. It is important for us to allow ourselves that day of renewal, education and inspiration. Parkview is proud to be a part of the day of Tapestry.”
Stone recognized other major sponsors for their support, “for jumping in before knowing who the keynote speaker would be: WAJI-Majic 95.1, Indiana’s News Center, Women’s Health Advantage, Cookie Cottage, Inc, DeBrand’s Chocolatier, The Holiday Inn at IPFW and the Coliseum, IPFW’s Division of Continuing Studies, A Party Apart, Beijo Bags, The Total Look, Merrill Lynch, DK Jewelry Design and Fashion Boutique, Scentsy, and ENT Facial Plastic Surgery.”
Stone also noted that applications and/or nominations for the annual Dedication Award are now open. Each year Tapestry dedicates the day to a female role model whose positive activities have encompassed all aspects of her life: family, community, and profession. Applications or nominations must be received by Oct. 31, 2010.
For more information on the Dedication Award, Ringwald, and the 2011 Tapestry event, go to www.ipfw.edu/taspestry, or contact Stone at (260) 481-6854 or stonerl@ipw.edu.