Unity of Bellevue held a Mother/Daughter Luncheon on May 12, raising money to help support the interfaith nonprofit organization, The Sophia Way. Approximately 60 women attended the event, including a family of four generations: great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and daughter.

Amidst a variety of girly decorations – including vintage hats, beaded dresses, antique umbrellas and purses – guest speaker Karina O’Malley shared some stories about some of the women that Sophia Way has helped.

“A lot of people do not realize that there are so many people living in our Eastside communities who need help and reaching out to support organizations is one way our church community can make a difference” said Suzanne Marlatt-Stewart, event coordinator for Unity of Bellevue.

This past year several Unity members volunteered to help with the Eastside Salvation Army feeding program; during the holidays more than 100 teddy bears were donated to the Crossroads Community Center and many items were donated to the Eastside Winter Shelter program. The “Hats Off To Women” luncheon raised several hundred dollars for The Sophia Way.