The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) hosted its 28th annual Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon on October 30, 2024, at the Thomas Murphy Ballroom in the Georgia World Congress Center.

With Norfolk Southern as the Presenting Sponsor and 1,600 guests in attendance, the luncheon raised a record $1.7 million, including a $500,000 gift from The Coca-Cola Foundation for women’s economic empowerment.

The event featured actress Molly Shannon, who shared her inspiring story of resilience and loss in a conversation with Channel 2 Action News anchor Karyn Greer. Shannon recounted the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of her mother, sister, and cousin when she was a child and how her grief shaped her journey as a performer. She spoke of how her longing for maternal affirmation drove her career ambitions yet led to the realization that fame cannot replace self-acceptance. “Speak kindly to yourself,” Shannon advised, encouraging attendees to foster personal growth and community support.

Board Chair Fiona Bell and Event Co-Chairs Heather Lamb and Tish Harrison underscored the importance of community support of the luncheon, while AWF CEO Kari B. Love highlighted Shannon’s message: “Molly’s resilience in overcoming trauma and her perseverance in breaking barriers are mirrored every day in the women and girls served by AWF grantees. This spirit encapsulates our mission to be a catalyst for change in their lives.”

This year’s success reinforces AWF’s commitment to empowering women and girls, while inspiring attendees to embrace their own power to make a difference.