The Annual Girl Scout Luncheon Empowers Girls and Women

Guests gathered at City Winery for the annual Girl Scout Luncheon benefiting Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, whose mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. During the reception, guests admired models strolling through the crowd in Girl Scout uniforms spanning the decades, including one dating to 1948.

After the reception, guests found their seats and enjoyed a lively performance by the Lipscomb University Gospel Choir, led by Aaron Howard. And, per tradition, a troop of Girl Scouts led the flag ceremony. Throughout the room, current and former Girl Scouts raised three fingers and recited the Girl Scout Promise.

Danielle Barnes, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, welcomed guests to a luncheon centered on the theme “Amplify Her Voice.” The phrase served as a call to support girls and women as they find their voices and create change in the world. As Danielle spoke, graphics displayed throughout the room noted that 70% of girls ages 5 to 13 say they feel lonely, while 4 in 5 Girl Scouts say their best friend is in their troop.

“I want every single girl to become fully herself, to discover who she is and find the power to amplify her voice,” Danielle said.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Erin Enderlin took the stage with current Girl Scout Malena Arhagba for a heartwarming Q-and-A. Erin also performed several of her songs, including “Monday Morning Church,” which she wrote with songwriter Brent Baxter. WKRN-TV anchor Shelby Mac and Amazon’s Michelle Gaskin Brown also joined the conversation. “When you invest in a girl, you’re not changing one life,” Michelle said. “You’re changing the trajectory of a family, a community and an economy.”

Her remarks aptly honored the luncheon’s theme. “The future will be led by women who were once girls brave enough to speak up,” Michelle added.