Mary McLendon, director of F&M McLendon Funeral Home in Wadesboro, said that she's buried more than 100 women that were victims of domestic violence. Frustrated, she decided to do something to help more women feel empowered and celebrated.

"I've buried a lot of women and I'm tired of it," she said. "I want these women to feel empowered. I want them to feel appreciated. Why not celebrate them?"

As a result, with her other business, F&M McLendon Entertainment, she's hosting the first ever Women Empowerment Conference at the Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m.

"We've set it up so that these girls can have a Cinderella sort of night out," McLendon said, adding that so far, she's taken 80 girls and women that were victims of domestic violence out shopping for outfits to wear to the event. When others heard about what she was trying to do, they reached out to her— including Grammy-nominated artist Calvin Richardson.

"He saw it on my Facebook page and he reached out to me," she explained. "He was raised by a single mom and it struck a nerve with him."

Richardson will be singing at the conference, and will stick around after his performance to take photos and sign autographs.

According to McLendon, Richardson has "a huge fan base" and many are coming in from out of state to see him perform in Wadesboro.

McLendon said she's also been contacted by other well-known R&B artists, Fantasia Barrino and Monica, who will be unable to attend but have contacted her to voice support. "They've both been affected by domestic violence and loved the idea," she said.

Locally, McLendon has received support from the Chamber of Commerce and The Malsgate restaurant. Cosmos and Cato of Wadesboro provided discounts on some of the clothing. Other sponsors include McDonald's of Wadesboro and Rockingham, Perdue Farms in Rockingham, Christian Clothes Closet in Rockingham, Burch Chiropractor, Scottish Foods of Laurinburg, Attorney Dunk and Associates of Houston, Texas, BAM-1 Travel, WADE radio in Wadesboro, Numo Records of Gastonia, the Church of God of Prophecy in Morven and Flat Rock Missionary Baptist Church. The event also has the support of the Anson Domestic Violence Coalition, as well as the domestic violence agencies in Richmond and Union counties.

In addition to Richardson, local guests include Pastor Iris Tillman, Sister Barbara Stroman, Pastor Sylvia McLendon and Sherri Knotts, as well as Sister Vivian Chambers and the Believers Christian Center Choir & Dance Team.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, contact McLendon at 704-690-4325.