EASTON — The Foundation of HOPE, a nonprofit organization in Talbot County established to help women and young girls through economic development and empowerment initiatives, will host nationally renowned author C. Nicole Mason at their annual fundraiser Dec. 9 at the Milestone Conference Center. The $60 tax deductible donation includes lunch and an autographed copy of Mason’s best-selling book, Born Bright: A young girls journey from nothing to something in America.

“Your zip code or the neighborhood you live in should not determine how far you will go in life, said Ms. Mason. “Grit and hard work are not enough. We must - as a society - do all that we can to ensure the most vulnerable among us have what they need to reach their full potential and access opportunity.”

Ms. Haythe launched the Foundation of HOPE, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2016 to help Talbot County girls reach their potential. She started the Economic Development and Empowerment Program for sixth grade girls at Easton Middle School that year to cover such topics as: Building self-esteem, bullying, social media, workforce development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

“Our mission is to help young girls lead productive lives in their communities by providing cultural, social and educational development. We believe children are our future and we must prepare them early to be great future leaders,” said President and Founder Keasha Haythe.

Ms. Mason’s participation was made possible thanks to the support of the Dock Street Foundation’s president Richard Marks.

“If just being born bright was all one needed to succeed, then very few people would fail. Against all odds and obstacles, Nicole Mason finds success, and tells her story powerfully and poignantly,” said Richard Marks. “To rise above fear, poverty and shame takes determination and hope. It would be very easy to expect an ending quite different than what we learn as we cheer her on through every setback, most of which would stop others cold and does so all too often.”

The event also includes a silent auction items featuring items donated by Talbot County businesses including: Doc’s Grill, The Barn Restaurant, Captain Ketch Seafood, Pizazzzz!, Higgins and Spencer, Shearer the Jeweler, Silver Linings, La De Da, Swank and St. Vincent De Paul Society.

To register or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.foundationofhopemaryland.org or contact Haythe at Keasha@foundationofhopemaryland.org or by calling 410-443-9936.