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Beth Holloway to speak at 'Spirit of Women' event
AMMC Women’s Council welcomes mother of missing teenager
 
Friday, September 10, 2010
Wendy Miller
 
The 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway while on a graduation trip in Aruba has made numerous international headlines over the years with Natalee’s mother, Beth, leading the way in desperate attempts to find out what happened to her daughter.
 
Beth will tell her story, “Victim to Victor” at the AMMC’s Women’s Council’s first “Spirit of Women” event at 6 p.m. Oct. 2.
 
“This is a mother who found a way to cope with a devastating event that changed her life forever. She found her voice in her message ‘Victim to Victor’. Ms. Holloway wants to help others find the strength within to face life’s cruel twists,” Lois Rooney, AMMC Women’s Council president, said. “We all need role models and heroes to help us in our own devastating times. Ours may not be the same story as Beth Holloway’s, but the positive words of hope and perseverance she will share with us might just be the best medicine for our souls — the best lesson we could learn to help us fight our own despair.”
 
Beth will also be available for a book signing of her book, “Loving Natalee,” a New York Times best-seller, after the presentation.
 
“I am thrilled to have Beth Holloway as our guest speaker at our very first ‘Spirit of Women’ event,” Rooney said. “As a mother, I felt her pain while I watched Natalee Holloway’s story unfold. Now I will get to meet Beth in person and tell her that I care — to let her know that I am still praying for her nightmare to be over. I feel honored that Beth accepted our invitation.”

 
Director of the AMMC Foundation Shane Carter said when he began looking for someone with a powerful story who would be recognizable and help the audience to improve their lives, Beth appeared to be a perfect match.
 
“I talked with Beth last week and she is excited to be returning to Northeast Arkansas.” Carter said. “Being a graduate of Arkansas State University, Beth has many ties to this area. She looks forward to visiting with those who attend this one-of-a-kind evening.”
 
Also at this event, Mary Esther Herget will be presented with the first Celebrating the Spirit of Women award. Herget will be honored for her extensive volunteerism and dedication to enriching the lives of women, children and families, according to an AMMC news release.
 
Books for Beth to sign must be ordered prior to the event and both men and women are invited to attend. Tickets for the event are $50 and can be purchased by calling (870) 239-7077, but a limited number are available. All proceeds will benefit renovations to AMMC Women’s Services Department.
 
The event will be at the Paragould Community Center, 3403 Linwood Drive, and dinner will be catered by Ellington’s.