Hello Giving Hope Members and Friends!

Happy Holidays!

I "Hope" everyone is doing well and not stressing out … 'tis the season after all! I wanted to send out a recap of the Ugly Christmas Sweater Zoom event held on Wednesday December 8th! IT was a wonderful time!! I know we are all tired of these zoom events, but I must say, this was one of our most entertaining!!

Many thanks to all the ladies who attended and were able to hear about our pass the purse charity, Canton Goodfellows. We were fortunate to be joined by Nila Patel — the Vice President of Canton Goodfellows. Nila described exactly what and how this endearing organization accomplishes its mission of "No Child Without a Christmas." What a worthwhile organization to support at this Giving time of year!

With that typed, I wish we had an audible drum roll to help announce we raised $1,780 for the organization!!  I want to thank every lady who donated and also (and especially) the many ladies who, while not able to attend the zoom, did contribute to the Goodfellows cause and helped us reach this amazing sum! 

During the zoom we also said our fond goodbyes and thank you's to retiring board members Jackie Norris, Sharon Filips and Sue Rosiek. These ladies served their terms with enthusiasm and dedication and will certainly be missed on the board. Fortunately we welcomed new board members Noel Bittinger, Karen Hanchette and Maureen Visser. I know they will bring new inspiration and help continue the tradition of strong leadership to the Giving Hope Advisory Board. Many thanks to these ladies for accepting the role.

Having those announcements made, I must also remind everyone we are still in need of 2 or 3 additional members on the board. Therefore, I ask again for your consideration and help in filling these spots. I know many of you have some trepidation about assuming the responsibility; but please, FEAR NOT!! It is anything but intimidating and we work as a group to support our meaningful organization — please consider joining the "Team" and let me know if I can count on you! The Advisory Board will meet in January and I do HOPE to have all the positions filled! Thank you in advance for your support.

We also discussed a potential charitable giving and creating event: making fleece blankets for or donating to "Fleece & Thank You" an organization that provides blankets to children in hospitals in our area. There was interest among our attendees, so the Advisory Board will discuss the particulars at the January board meeting!

Lastly, our zoom went "techy:" Thanks to Karen Hanchette, Reanne Neil and Jackie Norris we played a rousing game of Christmas trivia on our pc's and phones — what a hoot! Trivia winners were #1- Dianne Neihengen, #2 Jane Kerjes, and #3 Sue Rosiek! Well done ladies!!

And our special prize for Ugly Sweater became a draw among all our guest and the winner, Noel Bittinger graciously declined the chocolate Santa treat (she's doing great on her diet!!) and asked that another name be drawn, and we were delighted to award that prize to Nila Patel!

With all the information shared, the Giving done and the prizes won, we all toasted the great work we achieve through Giving Hope, Women's Giving Circle, wished everyone a happy and healthy Holiday Season and all the best for 2022!!

It will be another great year of Giving Hope and I look forward to sharing it with all of you!

My humble and sincere thanks and very best wishes for the Christmas season!

Linda J. Demmer,

Advisory Board Chairwoman

Giving Hope, Women's Giving Circle