For 14 years, Cara Walter and Tracie Gorham traveled to different parts of the country to perform a variety show intended to inspire audiences and lift spirits.
For the first time, they’re catering their act to women in military life and making Oak Harbor their first stop on what they hope will be visits to several military communities.
Titled “CourageousOne,” the free event will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 in Oak Harbor High School’s Student Union Building.
It is intended for women who either serve in the military or have spouses who do.
The idea, through skits and speakers, is to offer encouragement and support with the message: “You are not alone.”
Walter and Gorham both have extensive theater backgrounds. They came together to use comedy and drama and their own personal stories to spread their message of hope for those facing challenging circumstances in their lives.
“Think of it as a girls night event,” Walter said. “There’s sharing and teaching and local speakers. The idea is to foster a community and its resources there. We really are emphasizing unity and strength and how important it is to hold each other up.”
The inspirational program is part of Drawing Water, a nonprofit, faith-based organization formed by Walter and Gorham that is based in Redmond.
The duo has performed before women’s groups, organizations and conference audiences as well as in shelters and prisons.
The program didn’t start out exclusively for women but soon evolved that way.
“We very quickly realized we were speaking to the hearts of women,” Walter said.
Walter and Gorham also found that live theater proved to be a powerful method of reaching people.
“We started realizing that healing happens when people are not just hearing words but seeing lives played out in front of them,” Walter said. “Drama and comedy just touch people in a different way.”
It’s also more personal, Walter added.
“Younger generations are so connected online,” she said. “They’re not realizing that they’re missing the face-to-face contact. That’s how you help bring women together instead of getting isolated again.”
To learn more about CourageousOne girls night events, go to www.coura
geous-1.com
