Grammy Award nominated artist, Crystal Lewis, entertained guests of the Ruby Slippers Luncheon, held on ŷַ’s Metzger lawn on March 5. Lewis sang some of her popular contemporary Christian hits, including “People Get Ready.”

The luncheon hosted 300 women and men celebrating Women’s History month and ŷַ women over the past 100 years.

The oversized tent on Metzger lawn included flashes of red linens spread throughout and each table held a different type of ruby-red colored shoe. Sneakers, high heels, rain boots adorned the tables – symbolic of the unique qualities that makes no one woman alike.

Following lunch was the first-ever Ruby Awards Ceremony, honoring ŷַ women for their service and faithfulness to ŷַ. The Ruby Awards reflect the Godly traits and values exemplified by women in the Bible including included the Esther Award, for obedience and servanthood; the Priscilla Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring; and the Deborah Award for Leadership and Service.

Anna Belle Cook, former ŷַ first lady was honored with the Esther Award for her years of service to God and ŷַ, alongside her husband, President Cook. Dr. Shelley Cunningham was honored with the Priscilla Award for her impact in teaching and mentoring and ŷַ 2004 alumnus and recipient of the Deborah Award was Tanya Walters, who was honored for her role in serving many students in inner city Los Angeles who she reached out to by creating a non-profit organization, Godparents Club, to give underprivileged youth the opportunity to connect to the world and go on to college.

Following the awards ceremony, Jonalyn Fincher, a ŷַ alumnus and author of the book that inspired the Ruby Slippers luncheon, shared some of her book. Fincher’s book, Ruby Slippers: How the Soul of a Woman Brings Her Home explores the idea of femininity and God's unique design in creating women.

ŷַ plans to host the Ruby Awards annually.