You know you’re doing something right when 19 women become Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants on one evening. That’s what happened after Independent Elite Executive National Sales Director Gloria Mayfield Banks closed the 3rd Annual Evening Under the Stars with her rousing address, “Ten Reasons You Can’t Pass Up This Opportunity.”

“The entire evening was such an effective, high-quality event,” states Gloria. “This was a great way to celebrate the mission of The Mary Kay Foundation and showcase the camaraderie among employees of the Southern Branch and the independent sales force. When your mission is so beautiful and the power is so thick, people want to join with you!”

“I was thrilled to introduce the Mary Kay opportunity to so many others and take part in this fundraising event for The Mary Kay Foundation. For me, it’s a personal mission. I’m a product of domestic violence and therefore aligned closely with the Foundation’s efforts.”

More than 400 attendees partied with a purpose at the standing-room only affair on Oct. 24, 2009, as they raised $5,605 to benefit the Foundation. Groups gathered around tables they had decorated to the nines with pink orchids and roses, miniature pink Cadillacs, “On Silver Wings” replicas, Hawaiian-themed décor and other creative adornments.

Independent Executive Senior Sales Director Mia Mason-Taylor and Independent Sales Director Cathy Crook, who shared the Master of Ceremonies spotlight, got everyone dancing the “Cupid Shuffle.” Independent Senior Sales Director Kathy Horbus, her unit, and her husband, provided family-friendly entertainment including a Cher impersonator, a humorous ventriloquist, and singers.

“My unit is so incredibly motivated to help,” says Kathy. “What the Foundation does gives us so much hope for the future. Our hearts are so into it. We’re fortunate to be associated with a company that supports this work.”

“The entire area was filled with the positive energy and enthusiasm that only the Mary Kay independent sales force can generate!” exclaims Janet Keever, human resource generalist for the Southern Branch Distribution Center. “This was one of the neatest events that brought together the different areas of the Company in our community.”

Nicole Alvarez, keynote speaker and director of outreach and community development for No One Alone, a Foundation grant recipient which provides safe haven and services for victims of family violence, highlighted the importance of empowering women so they can break away from abusive relationships.

“The sense of philanthropy, strength and welcome I felt from the women and men of Mary Kay Inc. and the independent sales force deeply moved me,” says Nicole. “Our organization believes in what Mary Kay stands for: that women can achieve what they want to achieve. We help women discover their beauty and their strength so they can improve their lives.”

“We were honored to feature Nicole as our guest speaker,” remarks Liz Yates, director and general manager of the Mary Kay Inc. Southern Distribution Center. “And we were all motivated by the inspiring stories told by the National Sales Directors.”

In addition to Gloria, Independent Senior National Sales Directors Valerie Bagnol; Cindy Ivey-Fox; and Nora Shariff; and Independent National Sales Directors Sonja Mason; and Kathy Rodgers-Smith spoke to the crowd.

“This event is so successful because the Southern Distribution Center does such a phenomenal job of putting all the pieces together,” explains Nora. “Guests easily see the backing and support we have from the Company, and also the fun we have together. We’re secure in that. We’re just like a family, as Mary Kay intended.”

“Being a part of the Mary Kay independent sales force is one of my greatest joys,” remarks Valerie, who recently celebrated 23 years with her Mary Kay business. “Every day I say a prayer of thanks that God gave me the wisdom to accept this opportunity.

“Mary Kay was ahead of her time. We have fun while we work to make the world a better place. Once a woman accepts the Mary Kay opportunity, a whole household could change.

“Evening Under the Stars was amazing, educational, exciting and rewarding. What a great idea it is to have people come together to raise money for the Foundation! I would encourage all of the branches to create an event like this,” concludes Valerie.