The Women Moving Forward and Reaching Back Brunch is an event hosted by NFL Pro-Bowler and philanthropist, Braylon Edwards and his mother Malesa Plater, President of the Braylon Edwards Foundation.  The event was created to honor women who have made an impact in the areas of education, health, fitness, and philanthropy. The brunch is designed to educate, encourage and empower women of all backgrounds to reach their dreams, share their stories and help others along their journey. 

The Braylon Edwards Foundation (BEF) believes that our nation and specifically Detroit is at a critical point in regards to health, quality of life, self-esteem and life expectancy.  BEF launched the “Braylon Edwards Foundation Health Initiative” as the result of witnessing inner-city youth’s food choices and food access and the emergence of an overweight generation. The initiative involves indoctrination with health and fitness partners to educate young people regarding healthy eating and being active.  The brunch event allows us an opportunity to honor women who also embrace our philosophy. 

The 2012 brunch will be held on June 23, 2012 at The Reserve in Birmingham, Michigan from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  This year’s honorees are health administrators, educators, community leaders and philanthropists whose goals are to encourage healthy lifestyles. The brunch will feature both a live and silent auction.    This year’s guest speaker is Olympic track star and WNBA Champion, Marion Jones.  

The honorees are:

Arts:  Aaron Dworkin, Founder and President - Sphinx Organization

Philanthropic:  First Lady Crisette Ellis - Greater Grace Temple

Education:  Dr. Glenda Price - President Emeritus, Marygrove 

Health:  Eva L. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.N. - Russel N. DeJong, Professor of Neurology, Director; A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute; Director Program for Neurology Research & Discovery; Director of Research, ALS Clinic, University of Michigan Health System