| WOMEN OF THE YEAR |
| Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Work |
Jessica Ross, Betty Ellis, Sylvia C. Friedman, Constance Fredette, and our own Women's Fund executive director, Kate Fentress, were amongst a handful of local women recognized for their extraordinary contributions to their respective communities or workplaces.
Woman of the Year for Southeastern Massachusetts, Kate Fentress, has dedicated herself to harnessing both human and financial resources to champion the cause of disadvantaged women in the area. Many women's support organizations in southeastern Massachusetts now avail themselves of this funding resource targeted specifically at enhancing the educational and employment opportunities for women of the region. Kate's keen sense of social justice, and her firm belief in the cause she is directing, is the fuel that drives her passion for a more equitable world for women.
Congratulations, Kate!
You can read the Standard Times articles on all the women honored this year by choosing them from our website home page - click here . .
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| FUNDRAISING UPDATE |
Between our Annual Appeal and our Mother's Day Race and Appeal we raised over $35,000 in operations money in 2007. (It is not too early to get out your running shoes and hit the road in preparation for our second Annual Tiara Classic 5K Mother's Day Race to be held again this year on May 11th in Mattapoisett!)
 Because of a generous donor who gave us a $100,000 challenge grant, we have been able to successfully inspire others to give significantly. At this time, pledges and gifts, starting with the challenge, total just under $500,000. This challenge was targeted for the Endowment and Action Funds. Any donations beyond the challenge match will be divided between Endowment, Action Fund and Operations.
Thank you all for your support!!
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| HIGHLIGHTS OF 2007 |
2007 marks the strongest year to date for the Women's Fund!
Here is a snapshot of what we have been doing:
Grants - $57,500 in grants were awarded in the form of scholarships for after school mentoring, environmental education and summer programs for girls. The amount is a dramatic increase over the past two years ($9,600 in 2006 and $17,500 in 2007) helped by individuals who chose to give to the Action Fund to support community programs for women and girls .
Events - hosted a networking evening at the Whaling Museum to showcase the work of local organizations committed to helping women and girls; International Women's Day celebration; Tiara 5K Mother's Day race; Leadership conference for members of local social agencies; and a networking event for local business women.
Public Policy - commissioned a study of the Status of Women in Bristol County; co-hosted a debate between the candidates for New Bedford School Committee; focused on wage inequality at the second Leadership breakfast at UMass.
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| NEW YEAR, NEW ROLES AT THE WOMEN'S FUND |
As we embrace 2008, a number of our committed volunteers have embraced new roles with the Women's Fund:
President of the Women's Fund Advisory Council and Executive Committee:
Wendy Bauer of New Bedford takes over this position as Priscilla Ditchfield of Marion steps down after several years at the helm.
Chair, Grantmaking Committee (formerly Program Committee):
Priscilla Ditchfield replaces Susan Perry of Dartmouth, who has served as chair since its inception.
Chair, Marketing Committee:
Maureen McCarthy Mello from Mattapoisett takes over as new chair replacing Wendy Bauer who has been leading this committee since its beginning.
Below is a list of the committees of the Women's Fund. Click here for the members of each committee. In future newsletters, we will highlight one of these committees with each issue.
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| WE ARE MOVING! |
 As of January 28th we will be ensconced in our new offices in the Sundial Building at 63 Union Street.
We will let you know about an as yet unscheduled open house, but it is a positive move, a handsome space, and will give all of us at the Community Foundation the additional room we need.
Please come see us!
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| JOIN US/HELP US |
 Support
us by sending this e-newsletter to friends and colleagues and urging
them to subscribe. Make a donation to build a permanent endowment in
support of women and girls in this area.
Contributions: On-line giving is now in place on our website making it easier to contribute. The link describes the various choices available to direct your gift. To view these choices, click here
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in a time-limited volunteer experience, working with an energetic team of women, to help orchestrate the 2nd Annual Tiara Classic 5K Mother's Day Road Race? The first meeting of the committee will be on February 6th at 6 PM in the Community Foundation's new office at 63 Union Street, and the race will be on May 11th. Click here to email Liz Ackerman for further information
Our marketing team is looking for a new member who would like to help develop content for our website. The Committee meets at 8 AM on the second Friday of the month at Marisol Café in Dartmouth. Click here to contact Chair, Maureen McCarthy Mello.
Donations
Consider donating your gently used clothing to Career Gear. For more information, click here. |
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