Former Miss America Speaks at Renaissance 2015: Woman of the Year Luncheon

The Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County (www.TheWomensResourceCenter.org), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering women in Sarasota County and enriching their lives, is hosting the 2015 Renaissance luncheon featuring Ericka Dunlap, a former Miss America and Miss Florida.

This year’s annual Sarasota-area fundraiser, to be held on Thursday, March 9 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, will celebrate the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County’s (WRCSC) 35th anniversary of providing a legacy of service to the community. An inspiring and empowering speaker, Dunlap will discuss how she defied stereotypes and boundaries through her life journey as well as her focus on giving back through her philanthropic initiatives.

Betty Schoenbaum will be honored as the first-ever “Renaissance Woman of the Year,” presented by Teri Hansen of Gulf Coast Community Foundation in appreciation for her years of dedication to the WRCSC’s mission and her legacy of service to our community.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., guests can arrive for registration and vendor shopping, with the luncheon and program starting at noon. Tickets are $135 and benefit the WRCSC’s many support programs and services for women in the community.

The event chair is WRCSC board member Amy Sankes and the honorary chair is Renee Hamad, the immediate past WRCSC president. The event emcee is Christina Crane from 107.9 WSRZ. Call 941-366-1700 or visit www.TheWomensResourceCenter.org for RSVP and information. Online tickets can be purchased at www.2015Renaissance.CharityHappenings.org.

About the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County

For 35 years, the countywide not-for-profit agency has been advocating for and providing support services to women in our community. Each year, we serve several thousand women by providing education scholarships, employability skills, transition support and other essential services that help women move forward toward self-sufficiency and achieve their highest potential. For more information, visit www.TheWomensResourceCenter.org or call 941.366.1700.

About Ericka Dunlap

Ericka Dunlap captured a part of history by breaking the color barrier and becoming the first — and only to date— black woman to be crowned Miss Florida in the 80-year history of the pageant. She then went on to capture America’s most coveted crown as Miss America 2004, and was thrust into the national spotlight to assume a position of influence she has always taken seriously.

As Miss America, Dunlap traveled over 25,000 miles a month serving as a keynote speaker and good-will ambassador to corporations, universities and communities across America. She also traveled to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar to boost morale for U.S. servicemen & women. Throughout her year of service, Dunlap promoted a platform titled, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall Behind” a focus on Cultural Diversity and Inclusion which has remained a passion for her ever since. She has enjoyed many years as a performer, recording artist, event host, spokesperson, diversity advocate and motivational speaker delivering over 200 keynote addresses. She has been a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the O’Reilly Factor and numerous other television appearances.

She defied the stereotypes and boundaries of a beauty queen when she was cast on the Emmy-Awarding® winning reality show “The Amazing Race - Season 15”, which solidified her as an International television star, traveling to nine countries throughout Asia and Europe in 27 days, and finishing as a finalist.

Dunlap continues to juggle many hats as she dedicates much of her time to her non-profit, The Crown Jewel Foundation, Inc., investing in the lives of young girls and women. She recently concluded a stint as a featured performer in the upcoming Off-Broadway musical, “Disenchanted”, served as a Judge for The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and starred in the James Weldon Johnson Production of “God’s Trombones.” She is the principal consultant of Crown Communication Group, a public relations and entertainment consulting firm. For more information, please visit www.ErickaDunlap.com.