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October
2006
Local Giving Circle
Marks Fifth Anniversary
by Awarding $50,000 to Local Charities
Women Making a Difference, a
150 member giving circle, will award over $50,000 in grants
to 15 local organizations at its fifth annual grants celebration
on Wednesday, November 15. The grants dispersal, one of Charleston
Philanthropy Week's most anticipated events, will take place
from 7 - 9 p.m. at Lowdnes Grove Plantation with drinks and
hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Whole Foods.
"The November event is the culmination of an entire year's
worth of work," says Weesie Newton, cofounder of Women
Making a Difference. "This is our chance to publicly
celebrate with the outstanding charities we support and teach
people about our giving circle."
Started in 2002 by three women of varying ages and backgrounds,
Women Making a Difference strives to build a community of
women philanthropists, generate significant annual grants,
and maintain a permanent endowment so the good work will be
carried out for generations to come. By the end of this year,
Women Making a Difference will have distributed over $200,000
to locally-based initiatives that seek to enhance the quality
of life for women and children living in Charleston.
"As people begin to think about the holidays," says
Newton, "we want to bring the needs of those less fortunate
to the forefront. Awarding grants to deserving charities,
the front line heroes of our community, is a wonderful start
to the Thanksgiving season."
Those interested in becoming a supporter of Women Making a
Difference are encouraged to attend the November 15 event;
however, reservations are required. Guests may RSVP online
at www.womenmakingadifference.com.
Women Making a Difference members will also gather to provide
a meal at Crisis Ministries, a local women's shelter and a
grant recipient, during the Thanksgiving season. In 2003,
Women Making a Difference’s grant helped underwrite
the shelter's only full-time position. That staff person oversees
programs including group sessions on coping, anger management,
relationship building, budget training, and job training.
"With our grants," says Newton, "we are sparking
ripples of hope and compassion throughout Charleston. When
our members gather to cook a meal at the shelter, we make
a human connection. That bond motivates us to work harder
so we may provide more relief in the coming year."
For additional
information, please email
Ida Becker.
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