Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton applauded the efforts of Dining for Women and its “deep and transformational” impact in a letter sent to the organization and released at an event in Manchester, NH., on Tuesday March 26, 2013.

The Manchester chapter had invited Clinton to attend a special screening of the film “Half The Sky”. While she was unable to attend, she sent a letter of acknowledgement and support of DFW’s work.

More than 300 people attended the screening. DFW co-founder Marsha Wallace addressed the audience and presented the first of three checks for $15,000 to Rubia’s Threads of Change program, which develops economic opportunities through craft heritage.

Dear Friends:

It gives me great pleasure to extend my heartfelt greetings to all those gathered in Manchester for Dining for Women’s special screening of Half The Sky. I was delighted to learn that this event is bringing together hundreds of American women and girls who are inspired and committed to helping women and girls across the globe overcome adversity and live safe, healthy and productive lives.

It was an honor and privilege serving our country as Secretary of State over the past four years; I am especially grateful for the opportunity I had to place women’s issues at the forefront of our nation’s foreign policy agenda. The evidence is clear; no country can succeed if half its population is left behind. When women and girls are treated equally, with dignity and respect, and afforded every opportunity to contribute to society, families, communities and whole nations thrive. The efforts that Dining for Women have undertaken in New Hampshire and all across the country over the past ten years provide a powerful example of how individual acts of giving, when aggregated, can make a deep and transformational impact. I am so heartened to know that the donations of Dining for Women participants have funded such remarkable grassroots groups as Somaly Mam in Cambodia, Afghan Friends Network in Afghanistan, and the Maasai Girls Education Fund in Kenya. I have seen firsthand the impact of these groups and countless others. Now more than ever, everyone can make a difference through acts large and small, and I congratulate you and thank you for your contribution toward ensuring that all women and girls have the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential.

While I regret I am unable to join you at the beautiful Palace Theatre this evening, please know that I am there in spirit, and am sending you my warmest wishes for a wonderful event. I am proud to be your partner in progress. 

With friendship and warm regards, I am

Sincerely yours