“Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

This Martin Luther King Jr. quote rounded out the painfully courageous story relayed by WXYZ Channel 7 News Anchor Carolyn Clifford as she talked about growing up affected by domestic violence in her northwest side Detroit home.

The 20-time Emmy Award-winning journalist was the guest speaker at the 13th Annual LPS Education Foundation Luncheon fundraiser on November 1 at the St. Mary’s Cultural and Banquet Center in Livonia.

Clifford, who grew up one of nine children, shared the tragic yet inspiring story of her mother, who not only survived domestic violence at the hands of Carolyn’s father but found a way to make it out and provide for her children by starting her own business and making a new life. Clifford said she need not look any further for a hero than her mother, who is now 94 years young.

She shares her childhood story with every group that she can to bring awareness to domestic violence. She works with nonprofit agencies that provide assistance to battered women. It’s her life’s work, when she’s not behind the anchor desk at Channel 7.

“Hearing her story really made me realize that no matter your background or life experiences, there is always something you can harvest from deep within your soul to help others,” said Stacy Jenkins, Livonia Public Schools administrator of District Communications. “In Carolyn’s mother’s case, it was her children, then eventually, her community. For Carolyn, it is taking those experiences and laying them out for others who may be in that situation to feel heard and supported. It was truly inspiring.”

The annual luncheon holds inspiration as well – with a room filled with supporters of the school district and the LPS Education Foundation, many say that it’s one of the best days of the year.

“We appreciate the support of our community and especially appreciate and value your support by being here today,” said Foundation President Liz Jarvis. “We are very thankful for the generous financial support of our corporate donors and community members. You are the key to our success. We thank you.”

For more information on the work of the LPS Education Foundation and how you can support this organization, please visit www.lpsfoundation.org.