"This is our 10th birthday, and you are invited to the party!" exclaimed Mary Baird, President and CEO of The Ophelia Project to over 400 individuals on the evening of October 18, 2007. The revelers were supporters, sponsors, dignitaries and friends, all gathered to celebrate 10 years of extraordinary development.

The Ophelia Project first contacted the Duchess to speak at the 10th Anniversary celebration because she is a well-known survivor of the harshest form of relational aggression and bullying at the hands of the world-wide media. 

The Duchess admitted a deep understanding of the value of teaching young people how to be kind, how to care for one another, and how to support each other through times of adversity. She has dedicated her life over the past 12 years to being an advocate for those in crisis, whether battling their own inner demons or struggling just to survive.

The Duchess was gracious, thoughtful, and kind and took the time to connect with every attendee she could.  She spoke with sincerity about her heart’s connection to the mission of The Ophelia Project and encouraged its continued growth throughout the United States and beyond.  She said, “Ophelia, you have a new friend.”

Local artist Tom Vicary donated a beautiful original glass plate, which the Duchess graciously signed with an engravers pen.  Karen Black won the plate in a silent auction, benefiting The Ophelia Project. To commemorate the evening, the Duchess was presented with a second glass plate by The Ophelia Project President/CEO Mary Baird and Chair of the Ophelia board Michael Krahe.  Two handmade bracelets for her daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, donated by Tom’s wife, Cheryl, were also presented to the Duchess.

Fifteen local organizations sponsored the event.  Royalty sponsors included Hamot Medical Center, Highmark, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Scott Enterprises, Triad Foundation, Susan & Cyrus Wellman, and a Friend of The Ophelia Project,

Lord and Lady sponsors included The Activities Programming Board of Gannon University, Gannon University, Erie Insurance, Eriez Manufacturing Co.; Northwest Savings Bank, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Saint Vincent Health Center, and Thiel College.

Table sponsors were Cheryl & Tom Vicary, FMC Technologies, Gohrs Printing/Print Communications/The Plymouth Tavern, and U.S. Bulk Transport, Inc.

The Ophelia Project
718 Nevada Drive
Erie, PA 16505
1-888-256-KIDS (5437)
ophelia@opheliaproject.org