Grammy Award nominated artist, Crystal Lewis, entertained guests of the Ruby Slippers Luncheon, held on 51萝莉鈥檚 Metzger lawn on March 5. Lewis sang some of her popular contemporary Christian hits, including 鈥淧eople Get Ready.鈥�

The luncheon hosted 300 women and men celebrating Women鈥檚 History month and 51萝莉 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 鈥� symbolic of the unique qualities that makes no one woman alike.

Following lunch was the first-ever Ruby Awards Ceremony, honoring 51萝莉 women for their service and faithfulness to 51萝莉. 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 51萝莉 first lady was honored with the Esther Award for her years of service to God and 51萝莉, alongside her husband, President Cook. Dr. Shelley Cunningham was honored with the Priscilla Award for her impact in teaching and mentoring and 51萝莉 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 51萝莉 alumnus and author of the book that inspired the Ruby Slippers luncheon, shared some of her book. Fincher鈥檚 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.

51萝莉 plans to host the Ruby Awards annually.