For the sixth year in a row, Aida Leisure, owner of Silver Linings and DBS Fine Jewelers, has given every female graduate of Talbot County high schools a strand of freshwater pearls that was hand-knotted by her and her staff. This remarkable commitment by Leisure caused lots of curiosity for the Spy team, and we tracked Aida down at her St. Michaels store to explain this extraordinary act of philanthropy.
The project, which started in 2011, and which now has given over 1,000 necklaces to the young women in her community, began as a way to give back to Talbot County for the decades of support it has given her two jewelry stores. It was also a symbol of the hope and promise for a new generation of young women.
“We chose to give pearls because they are timeless,” says Leisure. “Each girl will now own a classic piece of jewelry. It may be the predominant accessory of the outfit she will wear for professional interviews. It very well could be worn on her wedding day, and she could even pass the necklace onto a child in future years. Even if she never acquires another piece of beautiful jewelry in her life, she will always have her Pearls of Promise.”
Thanks Aida!
This video is approximately two minutes in length. Visit the Pearls of Promise website at www.silverliningsmd.com/about/pearls-of-promise.
Suellen Knight says
I commend the generosity shown by Ms. Leisure in this gesture of kindness and support for young women “on their way”. CONGRATULATIONS to this wonderful donor and to her recipients. Education is the hope of the future. A string of pearls, either worn or possessed, is a source of strength and belief that one is a worthy individual. That belief and hard work brings success next.