On November 4, 2021, the Smitherman family – Rodney, Jennifer, Miah and Annah lost their beloved daughter and sister, Norah, when she was killed by a classmate. Life as usual ceased to exist for the family; the plans that Norah had for her future, preparations for her college years, ended in a senseless act. No one can prepare for a loss like the Smitherman family experienced because how does one anticipate such a loss of a 17-year-old just beginning her life? In the two and a half years since, the family founded Live Like Norah Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) 3, initially offering scholarships to Yadkin County high school seniors, in an effort to do something positive in light of the tragedy of Norah’s loss. The support for LLN Foundation has been overwhelming, leading the family to reach out to other areas in Yadkinville to serve in Norah’s name. As a thank you to the community and to honor the memory of Norah, the LLN Foundation hosted their Second Annual Live Like Norah Galantine Gala at Sanders Ridge Vineyard and Winery in Boonville, NC, bringing together women to continue the mission of the foundation.
A Legacy that Continues to Grow
As Jennifer Smitherman, Norah’s mother, looks back on when LLN Foundation began, she is thankful for the many who have supported the family and the cause.
“Our first goal with the foundation was to give scholarships in Norah’s name to high school seniors at Forbush and Starmount High. Students are asked to complete an essay on what they think it means to Live Like Norah and then have interviews with board members. Norah led a life of service in her community, through school and activities in her church. She had a strong faith in Christ and that was at her core; everything about her grew from that part of her,” said Jennifer.
As the foundation has grown, so has the outreach of the charity. There is a Live Like Norah Rayne Retail Store featuring gift ideas like candles, garden flags, wind chimes, florals and faith-based apparel. The foundation also gives funds to support Cru Missionaries in Croatia, youth mission trips, Yadkin County Disciple Now, Laurel Ridge Moravian Camp and many other local charities. The Galantine Gala has become the way ladies in the community can come together and raise additional funds for the foundation.
Making New Friends and New Memories
This year’s Gala was held on February 3, 2024 and had a change in venue with Sanders Ridge Vineyard and Winery in Boonville, NC. “We had 117 guests for the gala, many ladies came with their best friend and our overall theme of FRIENDS remained the same, but our specific theme was taken from Galatians 5:22-23 ‘but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ Each attendee went home with three remembrances from the night; a rose from the table, a painted rock from Deborah Smith of East Bend and wax melts in the shape of hearts contained in a heart box celebrating the upcoming Valentine’s Day. Regal Catering provided the food and desserts were made by Amanda Joyner of Manny J’s Bakery. Our beautiful balloon decorations were made possible by House of Posh. Everyone involved went all out for this beautiful night of sharing with friends, including those who donated for our door prizes. After our meal, guest speaker Dena Cave shared a message focused on the fruits of the spirit, and she was inspirational with her humor and transparent delivery of the scripture. It was truly a night of making memories with special friends,” said Jennifer.
For more information on Live Like Norah, visit livelikenorah.org for information on upcoming events. The Live Like Norah Rayne shop is located at 604 Tennessee Street, Yadkinville, NC. Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Our hours do fluctuate, so please check our website or Facebook page for accurate times during the year.
