From the Farmhouse Table: February 2023
Together Again in Person
A couple of evenings ago, writers on the land sat down at the Farm House table to eat as a group for the first time in three long years. Our previous pandemic protocols required writers to dine individually in their cottages or socially distanced in the Gathering Space. The energy this week was palpable: warm, joyous, together.
That same excitement bubbles as we plan to come together again for Equivox '23. On March 19th, Hedgebrook’s alumnae and other friends will gather in person and online for our annual fundraiser celebrating writers and readers, Equivox – Equal Voice. Three years after Covid precautions closed Hedgebrook to writers, we are delighted to see 300 of our friends in person again and to welcome another 300 from around the world via the Internet.
This year, we are also particularly pleased and grateful to announce a generous and meaningful presenting sponsorship provided by The California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness). The Foundation’s mission is to improve the health of Californians, promoting equity through advocacy and access. Judy Belk, Hedgebrook alumna, Board member, and the President and CEO of Cal Wellness, notes “Cal Wellness is thrilled to be returning as an Equivox sponsor and supporting residencies for California women writers. Hedgebrook’s mission to amplify the voices of California’s diverse women writers is more important than ever.”
This grant is a recognition and reflection of the connection Hedgebrook has to the Golden State and its many writers who have graced our table and cottages over the past 35 years. Nearly 20 percent of the 1,800 writers who have experienced Hedgebrook’s legendary Radical Hospitality, staying in one of our six cottages, came from or now live in California. Of the 1,573 writers who submitted applications for 2023 residencies, 355 (23%) live in California. And of the 52 selected to receive invitations to participate as 2023 Writers in Residence, 15 (29%) hail from California. Hedgebrook is honored to be able to recognize some of these writers as Cal Wellness Fellows as part of this sponsorship grant.
Additional sponsorships have been committed by The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation and BECU. We continue to seek sponsorships ranging between $2,500 and $25,000, as well as individual ticket buyers and $1,500 table hosts who attend with eight of their guests and who welcome a Hedgebrook alumna to join them. Further information about sponsorships can be found here, and access to event information and registration is below.
It is thrilling to work for an organization that has such deep roots, and discover whole pockets of alumnae thriving and in community with each other all over the world. Investments like these grow from our community connections, ensuring we can continue to bring writers to the table and provide them the space to nurture, finesse, play, and speak their voices into power. From California to Seattle and beyond, we look forward to gathering together at Equivox to honor women who author change.
-Roxanne Kröon Shepherd, Development Director, Hedgebrook