Scotland Memorial Foundation’s eighth annual Women’s Health Event on Saturday, February 5th, offers a day for women packed with information on topics ranging from cancer to exercise to social networking, with much in between.

The all-day Women’s Health Event will be held at The Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, on West Church St. Sponsored by Scotland Memorial Foundation, in collaboration with the Scotland County Health Department, the event is held at the church in order to accommodate the 250 women expected to attend.

“This event has become so well known and so well respected in our community that registration last year was full well before event day,” stated Karen Gainey, event coordinator. “We anticipate the same this year and encourage women to register as soon as possible. We will be unable to accept registrations the day of the event.”

KEYNOTE SPEAKER WEAVES STORIES

Kim Weitkamp, this year’s keynote presenter, weaves precious memories and delightful details together into panoramic pictures to take her audiences on a personal journey. Like all good storytellers, she evokes both laughter and tears, but her smooth, silky voice, impeccable timing, and dead-on anticipation of her listeners’ needs place her at the pinnacle of her craft. The listener feels like a trusted confidant, lending an ear to a friend who knows that sharing herself and the lessons she has learned are the best gifts one can offer.

As a sought after storyteller, humorist, speaker and musician, Kim shares her original stories and songs at theaters and festivals throughout the United States. She has completed four audio collections and has enjoyed airplay on Sirius XM radio and NPR stations.

Kim is the National Youth Storytelling representative for Virginia, the President of the Virginia Storytelling Alliance and Founder of the Wrinkles Project, a national campaign to raise awareness of the national treasure that we possess in the form of life stories from ‘seasoned citizens’. Her work in this area has resulted in a nomination for the 2008 Governors Awards for the Arts, and a Storytelling World Award. She has been the keynote speaker at numerous conferences.

Free Screenings Available

The Women’s Health Event kicks off in high gear at 7:00 a.m. with cholesterol, bone density, body fat, height and weight, and blood pressure screenings. The day ends around 3:30 p.m. and in between is an exciting, power-packed event for women to learn more about themselves and the health and personal issues they may face.

Three back-to-back breakout sessions on a variety of topics are facilitated by local physicians and other community members. “Each participant has the opportunity to select three sessions from a number of topics,” continued Gainey. “Then, following the lunch break and keynote address, we’ll wrap it up with a fourth breakout session.” We want to thank our talented breakout facilitators for taking the time from their busy schedules to help ensure this event meets the needs and expectations of our participants. Without them, the Women’s Health Event would not be possible.”

Sponsors Endorse the Event

Of course, events such as this one are not possible without the support and collaboration of many community leaders. “While the Women’s Health Event is hosted by Scotland Memorial Foundation and funded through the annual Putting on the Ritz-A Gala of Giving, we could not offer this event without the support of our sponsors,” stated Brooke Jenkins, Scotland Memorial Foundation Executive Director. “This year, we are thrilled to have Charlotte Radiology again as our Presenting Sponsor! We’re also very excited to have two Gold sponsors this year – the Wound Healing Center at Scotland Memorial Hospital and State Farm-The Becca Hughes Agency.”

SCREENINGS, DOOR PRIZES, AND MORE

“Information, education, and inspiration are not all the participants receive,” added Ms. Gainey. “Each woman goes home with a tote bag of items provided by many of our local businesses and national agencies. We are very thankful to them for contributing these promotional items and some great door prizes for this event.”

Registration for The Women’s Health Event is required. Those with Internet access can complete an online registration form at www.scotlandhealth.org. Just click on the More Features button to access the form. The cost of the event is $20 and must accompany the registration form. “Because of the success of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts we only have to charge this nominal fee,” added Ms. Gainey. “However, if there is a woman who would benefit from this event but needs assistance with the fee we have several scholarships available which would allow them to attend for no charge.”

For additional information and a registration brochure, you may call the Marketing Department at 910-291-7550.