Another batch of Ascends has drawn to a close, and we’re a bit tired but thrilled about how they all went. I wanted to take this opportunity to promote some brands who support advancing women in business by donating gifts to the Ascend development days. A massive thanks to Innoxa for their goody bags (even better then the May Ascend ones!) and Christine at Organic trader for the Cocolo chocolate and the team at Fruit at Work for the flawless apples donated for every city. Also a big thank you to our raffle prize donators for every city – Corban & Blair and their gorgeous stationary, Lindy McLeod from Market Basket, Helene Blanchard for the lovely lingerie from eLilianne and of course the team at www.bestgiftcertificates.com.au for the $100 gift voucher for every city.

For the individual cities, first up in Adelaide thanks goes to Amanda Horne from Everyday PA for donating a Magic Box. In Melbourne we had an 1 hour massage and goodie box from Pauline Burr at Naturally U and a chocolate bouquet from Better than Flowers (also in Brisbane). Also in Brisbane we had 2 tickets from the Queensland Ballet for Fonteyn Remembered and a huge fitness hamper from Sally Symonds. And finally thanks to Flowers by Teresa for the gorgeous flowers for the our guest speaker in Sydney.

All the proceeds from our raffle went to Room to Read for their 10x10 initiative that connects educated professional women with the Room to Read Girls Education Program, to give these women an opportunity to reach out to support girls in the developing world. $300 educates a girl for a whole year, so $3000 (as part of the 10 women x 10 years of education initiative) radically improves a girl’s life and prospects. 95% of girls in the program advance to the next level, given most come from illiterate backgrounds, this is a phenomenal achievement.