Autumn Greetings to all Giving Hope,
Women's Giving Circle Members and Friends,
It is hard to believe we are already well into the fall since the warm temperatures have thankfully remained with us! As was the case for our wonderfully attended "Cheers for 15 years: Gathering to Give" event!
We had 35 members and guests who joined us for delicious hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, a champagne toast, and a tasty dessert!! The weather was grand, the giving generous and the time spent together as the Circle was enriching and inspiring.
The evening began with a welcome to all in attendance. In recognition of the occasion, our successful 15 years of Giving Hope, former chairwomen in attendance were given a round of applause and those not able to join were mentioned by name. We have much to be grateful for as these women leaders are truly the backbone, heart and spirit of our organization and we would not have survived without their commitment to the circle. Thanks was also expressed to all the members who have served on the Advisory Board and/or committees. It takes each and every one of us to keep growing our wonderful organization and helping more women find their way to becoming philanthropists through Giving Hope, Women's Giving Circle. New logo pins were given to all members and then all were asked to stand and "pin" them on (really, they have a magnetic back! LOL!!). All members should feel great pride as they wear this signature pin. It stands for everything that we believe in and have accomplished in the past 15 years, and what we plan to continue long into the future!
A brief business meeting followed:
Treasurer, Denise Murray presented our current budget and details. Our endowment is currently $211,962.61 and growing. We are being good stewards of our expenses and finding ways to hold events and enrich our bottom line in fun and creative ways. Please contact me or Denise if you would like to see the complete report.
Next, I presented a quick year in review, highlighting our events "Harvest of Hope" fall 2020, "Giving Green for Giving Hope" March 2021, and "Time to Get Back to Celebrating Giving Hope" June 2021.
All these events were a success due to the participation of members and guests as well as the generosity found among them all. Thank you to all who joined in! Going forward, we are planning on our next virtual event. I hope you will join us for "'Tis the Season to Rock Ugly Sweaters" zoom session to be held on Wednesday December 8th at 7pm!
More "merry" details will follow soon!!
I was also honored to introduce our newest members:
- Gina Franciosi
- Renee DiPonio
- Hannah Heebner
- Jaya Wilson
It is wonderful to welcome these ladies into the Circle! This year alone we have added 7 new members and for that I am truly delighted!!
Next Beth Meade introduced Mickey Guisewite, the founder of our evening's selected charity The Bottomless Toy Chest. This Michigan-based organization provides toys for children in hospitals in Michigan and across the country. Mickey explained why and how she came up with the idea for this wonderful charity and told us stories of the impact she has witnessed with the children getting gifts! It was so inspiring to hear about her mission and how it has been fulfilled by charitable giving like ours! If you were not able to join us but would still like to donate, please feel free to go to the Bottomless Toy Chest website where you may look at their gift list and send a toy along.
After Mickey had delivered her remarks, our time was spent socializing and enjoying the food and beverage fare at Walnut Creek Country Club.
Once again, my many thanks to all who were able to attend and make the evening so special. We not only collected 104 toys, but we also provided almost $600 in an impromptu "Pass the "Box" moment!
In closing, I expect to remain as Chairwomen for the upcoming year. My term will conclude at the end of 2022, so I am going to continue to do my best to keep up the enthusiasm, fun and social opportunities for all our members and friends and "hope" you will join in at events in the coming year.
Congratulations to us all on the achievements we have contributed to and been part of these past 15 years for Giving Hope, Women's Giving Circle!
Best wishes,
Linda J. Demmer
Chairwomen
Giving Hope, Women's Giving Circle