2020 Beth K. Smith Award Announced
WEN to honor S. Sloane Simmons and Casey Simmons of a store named STUFF with the 2020 Beth K. Smith Award
Kansas City, MO (Feb. 24, 2020) — Women’s Employment Network (WEN) recently announced the 2020 recipients of the Beth K. Smith Award — S. Sloane Simmons and Casey Simmons - a store named Stuff. As the 10th recipient(s) of the award, the Sloane sisters will receive the distinguished honor at the WEN Annual Luncheon on April 14th at the Sheraton Crown Center.
The Beth K. Smith Award was established in 2010 by the WEN Board of Directors to honor individuals and/or corporations who share a common vision of supporting women in our community and who are committed to advancing the mission of the WEN: to help women raise their self-esteem and achieve economic independence through sustained employment.
“We are pleased to announce this year’s honorees, S. Sloane Simmons and Casey Simmons of a store named STUFF,” said Sherry Turner, WEN President. “Sloane and Casey and their business have been involved with WEN throughout the years on so many levels. Their passion for WEN’s mission has meant the world to us, as a staff, and, of course, to the women in our community. We look forward to recognizing their outstanding commitment on stage at our luncheon in April.”
For a decade, S. Sloane Simmons and Casey Simmons have provided centerpieces, as an in-kind contribution at the WEN Annual Luncheon. These centerpieces are the featured work of a variety of artists, with all proceeds from the sale of over one thousand centerpieces going to WEN and the women who they serve in Kansas City. Additionally, the Simmons sisters host a Charity Party night each holiday season with a portion of proceeds of sales coming to WEN. These opportunities not only raise much needed dollars for women in Kansas City, but also provide an outlet to raise awareness for WEN's mission in the larger community.
“One behalf of Casey and myself, we are truly honored by this award.” said S.Sloane Simmons, co-owner of a store named Stuff. “We do what we do for Kansas City’s non-profit community because we both feel deeply that it is the right thing to do. WEN has always had a soft spot in our hearts, because we adore the staff, the board and everyone attached to WEN for their commitment to improving the lives of women in the Kansas City metro area.”
The 2020 WEN Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, April 14th at the Sheraton Crown Center, Grand Ballroom (2345 McGee Street), beginning 11:45 a.m. The Luncheon is co-chaired by Andrea Hendricks, Senior Executive Director-Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Cerner, and Megan McCurdy, Partner, Stinson.
About WEN
Women’s Employment Network (WEN), a nonprofit organization that offers job-search training and resources, individualized coaching, and financial education for women in the Kansas City metro area, expects its annual spring luncheon to be overflowing with some of the metro's most influential business and community leaders. WEN has expanded its services to include entrepreneurial connections, business mentoring and microlending to meet the ever-changing needs of its clients through the OneKC for Women Alliance — Women’s Employment Network, Women’s Business Center, Women’s Capital Connection and the WE-Lend Initiative.
About a store named STUFF
Since a store named STUFF began in the late 1990s, it has grown into one of the most well-known and respected businesses in the handmade gallery industry. The STUFF Sisters — Casey Simmons and Sloane Simmons — represent fine artists, handmade creators and small batch makers and creators. STUFF has always been dedicated to people, not product. An artistic lifestyle store, STUFF features the work of artists from their area, throughout the USA and from International artisan groups. The store is dedicated to creativity. STUFF has been recognized for their outstanding customer service and offers an unforgettable shopping experience.
For more information about Women’s Employment Network or to purchase tickets for the WEN luncheon, please visit kcwen.org or call (816) 595-1297