LEONARD, Mich. – On Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Addison Oaks Buhl Estate, the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its female-focused “Women of Inspiration Luncheon.”
The Chamber puts on several networking events each year in order for business people around the Orion area to connect with one another, this year they put on a new event with some truly inspirational speakers.
Approximately 120 attendees joined the Chamber at the Addison Oaks Buhl Estate, everyone was treated to a nice lunch and entered into a raffle to win prizes donated by sponsors. “Swag bags” were also handed out during the luncheon, within the bags were treats and trinkets given out by local businesses such as the Oxford Bank, Genisys Credit Union and Keller-Williams.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The primary speakers at the event were representatives from Dutton Farm, Michelle Smither, along with her daughters, Jenny Brown and Rebecca Smither. Founded in 2010, Dutton Farm serves the local special needs community through educational programs.
Joyce Donaldson, the President and CEO of the Orion Area Chamber, spoke with ONTV’s Joe Johnson at the event about it’s purpose that day.
“We are here to celebrate women – women of inspiration – and we’re super excited about our guest speakers today from Dutton Farm… This is an opportunity for us all to gather, to support each other, and to inspire each other,” Donaldson said.
After the guests had lunch, Michelle Smither talked about the history of Dutton Farm, their mission, as well as introducing her daughter, Jenny, as the next speaker.
Brown spoke to the crowd about how she started the organization with her mother and sister, their humble beginnings to now over 100 people in their programs. Brown also spoke to Joe Johnson about what the event means to her.
Photo by Joe Johnson
“Being just here today, with all of these women, has already been uplifting. But to know that all of these women come together and care about lifting each other up, and just hearing about what we do at Dutton Farm, just that alone means the world to us,” Brown said.
Brown then introduced her sister onto the podium, who greeted the crowd and gave remarks about herself, what she does now and her gratefulness to her supportive family and community.
Michelle Smither, the co-founder of Dutton Farm and the mother of Jenny Brown and Rebecca Smither, spoke to ONTV about what it meant to start an organization like this one and how she can keep paying it forward.
“It’s great to be successful and be go getters and achievers but don’t forget the people behind you or the people who can’t do that or don’t have the choices and opportunities and help them along the way,” Smither said. “It does my heart good, especially as I age, that this will go on.”
For more information about Dutton Farm and their programs, you can visit duttonfarm.org, and for more information about upcoming events at the Orion Area Chamber, you can visit orionareachamber.com.