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Spring 2016
A Circle of Women Growing Philanthropy
Special recognition was given to Patty Machin, 2015 Grants chair; Vera Moore, 2016 Grants chair, additional members of the Grants committee, and Beth Filla, 2016 chair of the Impact Committee, which continually measures the long-term impact of grants awarded by the Women’s Fund. In addition, Greg Grubb, executive director of PATH provided an update on “Mathnasium at Path,” based on the 2015 Women’s Fund grant to this math education program for underprivileged children.
“We are so pleased to honor Goodwill Industries, Next Step Community Solutions and Camp Tyler Outdoor School this year for their innovative programs,” said Vera Moore, 2016 Grants Committee chair. “Each of their projects will give individuals hope for the future and better lives.”
“Since our fi rst grants awards in 2009, the Women’s Fund has now provided $958,125 to programs that benefi t women and children in Smith County,” added Marty Wiggins, 2016 Chair of the Women’s Fund. “That million dollar mark is well within sight – and we are just getting started!”
The Women’s Fund of Smith County – with 200+ members and growing – is at the forefront of a national movement of women’s collective philanthropy. The 2016 Grants process will begin with a seminar for Smith County nonprofi ts in May. Information on the grants program, as well as Women’s Fund membership and events, is posted on the Women’s Fund web site: www.womensfundsc.org
Next Step Community Solutions
The Women’s Fund of Smith County awarded three high-impact grants at its 2016 Grants Announcement Reception on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. Approximately 100 Women’s Fund members and guests attended the event at One REALTOR Center, as grants totaling $126,405 were presented to programs that benefi t women and children in Smith County.
“At the heart of what we do is the annual awarding of community grants,” noted Kristen Seeber, President/CEO of the Women’s Fund. “Each member of the Women’s Fund has a voice in the grants process, both through her annual giving and through her vote. But it’s the dedicated women of the Grants Committee, who each year give countless hours to the grants process – they make it happen for all of us.”
Goodwill Industries of East Texas
Kristen Seeber, WF President;Kim Lewis, Goodwill ED;
Vera Moore, WF Grant Chair
The second grant was presented to Next Step Community Solutions for the extension of its “Youth Mental Health Counseling and First Aid” program. The $39,735 grant will place highly trained Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Smith County schools, allowing for the expansion of counseling programs for young people ages six to 18. School guidance counselors will make referrals, while a parallel mental health training will help school sta� members and others recognize those children who need counseling services. Accepting the grant was Brandon Davidson, Community Coalition Partnerships Director of Next Step Community Solutions.
The fi nal grant of $51,670 was awarded to Camp Tyler Outdoor School in support of its “Camp Tyler Unleashed” program. This project will allow fi fty campers – all entering sixth grade – to learn the four C’s of communication, commitment and care for character during a fi ve-day residential summer camp. The program involves the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, whereby caring for horses contributes to the character-building role of the Camp Tyler Unleashed experience. Accepting the award for Camp Tyler Outdoor School were Mike Ballew, Interim Executive Director, and Terry Blevins, Director of Development.
The awards began with a grant of $35,000 to Goodwill Industries of East Texas for its “A Second Chance for Her” program that assists women as they complete prison incarceration and return to Smith County. The funding will allow for the expansion of this support and education program that reduces the chances of future re-arrest for non-violent o� enders. Kim Lewis, Executive Director of Goodwill Industries, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Kristen Seeber, WF President;
Collin Phaup, Next Step Board Member;Sally Schultz, WF Grant Committee
Camp Tyler Outdoor School
Kristen Seeber, WF President; Mike Ballew, Camp Tyler Interim ED;
Beth Filla, WF Grant Committee
Mother’s Day LuncheonHonoring Moms and Inspiring Women
Women’s Fund of Smith County
Presenting Sponsor Joyce Buford Charitable Fund
at East Texas Communities Foundation
Willow Brook Country Club11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Luncheon tickets $35 per personHonor your mom, or a woman who inspires you, with a $20 gift in her
name. Your honoree will receive a special card acknowledging that a gift was given in her name. After submitting your honoree information, please
email one jpeg photograph of your honoree to Whitney Patterson at [email protected], no later than April 29, to be included
in a luncheon presentation.
You can purchase luncheon tickets and honoree gifts at www.WomensFundSC.org. Honoree gifts can be made by mail, on the
Women’s Fund website, or on May 3 during East Texas Giving Day.
To ensure your honoree's special card is received by Mother’s Day, the gift deadline is April 29.
For more informationLuncheon Chair
Whitney Patterson 903.245.1138/[email protected] Co-Chairs/Sponsorships
Val Anderson 903.520.9458/[email protected] Berry 903.571.6430/[email protected]
Women's Fund of Smith County Announces 2016 Grants
Honor Your Mom & Inspiring Women
On May 3, 2016, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., the Women’s
Fund of Smith County will participate in East Texas Giving Day.
East Texas Giving Day is a 24-hour day of giving that provides
funding for nonprofi ts by connecting donors with area nonprofi ts,
like ours! Visit www.EastTexasGivingDay.org anytime between
midnight 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., search for Women’s Fund of
Smith County and click “Donate Now.” You can make a gift to
honor your mom and inspiring women, support the Women’s Fund
of Smith County, and this regional giving day! The Women’s Fund
will mail your honoree a special card from you.
Honoring Moms and Inspiring Women
at East Texas Communities Foundation
Compass Club MembersBarbara Bass
Gay Brookshirein honor of Lila Ozkan Jones
Emily CoatsShannon DacusKathryn Droder
in honor of Mrs. Marion McGowanMary FischerDawn FranksJohnna Fullen
Marilyn Abegg Glassin honor of Jenna Allen
Judith Guthrie
Sharon Howellin honor of Kay HowellVirginia Boyd Hudson
in memory of Dorothy Sampson BoydSebetha Jenkins-Booker
Kay LattaLisa Lujan
Carolyn NovickSheryl Palmer
Margaret Perkinsin honor of Mary John Spence
Deborah RaceBarbara Shtofman
Patty Steelman
An opportunity for Women's Fund members to provide unrestricted gifts
Compass Club members have given above-and-beyond pledges of at least $1,000 for a minimum of one year - optimally three years - apart from their annual dues. These gifts are unrestricted and vitally important to our sustainability and fi nancial future.
We welcome new Compass Club members - Shannon Dacus, Dawn Franks, Johnna Fullen, Judith Guthrie and Patty Steelman.
If you are interested in becoming a part of The Compass Club and new opportunities for positive change, please contact
Sharon Howell at [email protected] or Shannon Dacus at SDacus@dacusfi rm.com.
For most people and organizations, the New Year is a time of making resolutions or at least thinking about what you would like to accomplish in the coming 12 months and how to meet those goals. Instead of the “what” and “how,” I’m extending the challenge for you to think about the “why.”
Like many organizations, in January the Women’s Fund of Smith County held its annual board retreat – a time of bonding, planning and aiming high. In looking over the 2016 board team, the “group resume” of these 23 women is incredible. They collectively hold an impressive variety of educational degrees; their job experience extends over decades in the fi elds of law, education, healthcare, management, community service, real estate and fi nance. They are wives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters and caregivers. They love their community – but as always – they have limited time and resources to give, so a decision to serve must be carefully considered.
“All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year,” says Simon Sinek, noted author and consultant who teaches organizations and leaders how to inspire people. “By WHY I mean your purpose, cause or belief – WHY does your (organization) exist? And WHY should anyone care?”
Women’s Fund board member Marilyn Abegg Glass led our 2016 board group through an opening exercise based on Sinek’s writings, including “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.”
So, why does the Women’s Fund exist? Again, it’s vitally important to answer the “why” fi rst, not “what” happens within the organization or “how.” The Women’s Fund was created as a unique opportunity in for women to pool their fi nancial resources, resulting in high-impact grants for programs benefi ting women and children in Smith County. As many members have stated, “where else could I make a personal contribution, and then see it combined with those of other women into major grants for causes I believe in?” This includes the fact that collective giving also includes member voting and collaborative “ownership” of the grants awarded.
“If you have the opportunity to do amazing things in your life,I strongly encourage you to invite someone to join you.”
Visit www.womensfundsc.org for membership information and ongoing updates regarding the Women’s Fund of Smith County.
Thank you Compass Club members for helping us chart our course!
At a personal level, our board members cited a myriad of reasons on why they choose to give of their time, talent and treasure to the Women’s Fund. Their answers ranged from growing relationships, embracing leadership and being more aware of community needs . . . to building stronger nonprofi t organizations and seeing the long-term impact of pooled funds for our community and individuals.
In short, the Women’s Fund board returned to the organization’s core values – growing philanthropy, community focus, leveraged giving, trusted stewardship, impact and network of givers – as defi ning the “why” any woman might consider joining this dynamic organization. We are Women Leading Change, with an economic track record approaching $1 million, and a personal impact that is virtually unmeasurable, considering how this organization changes lives within its own membership to our agency relationships to the women and children ultimately served.
The “why” of a nonprofi t agency also provides board members, donors and others with what to say when they have a chance to talk about their wonderful organization. Instead of dreading a two-minute “elevator speech,” simply talk about WHY you care. A supporter may struggle to recite a mission statement word-for-word, or list all of an agency’s accomplishments, but they will always remember why they care – it’s their own story and it has the greatest impact on others.
Simon Sinek also says, “If you have the opportunity to do amazing things in your life, I strongly encourage you to invite someone to join you.” The Women’s Fund of Smith County is doing amazing things, and one of the best aspects is that our giving circle is always growing. Please invite women you know to consider joining our diverse, progressive group of 200+ women who are continually defi ning why we care, why we exist as an organization and how we can best impact and inspire others.
Warmest Regards,
2016 Chair
Great giving, service starts with “why”
Message from the Chair
Party of Fourdishes out Food and Friendship
To keep our members connected to our mission and to each other, the Member Relations & Education committee has launched this new initiative. Small groups will be meeting quarterly to grow and learn together as Women's Fund members.Groups will be randomly assigned and a group "leader" designated to coordinate and communicate the date, time and location of the gathering. It's a meaningful way to have fun and get to know your fellow Women's Fund members!The fi rst quarter luncheons received rave reviews, so sign up now for future Party of Four lunches!Contact the o� ce - 903 509-1771 or email [email protected] if you are interestedin participating.
our board members cited a myriad of reasons on why they choose to give of their time, talent and treasure to the Women’s Fund. Their answers ranged from growing relationships, embracing leadership and being more aware of community needs . . . to building stronger nonprofi t organizations and seeing the long-term impact of pooled funds for our community and individuals.
In short, the Women’s Fund board returned to the organization’s core values – growing philanthropy, community focus, leveraged giving, trusted stewardship, impact and network of givers – as defi ning the “why” any woman might
Ellen Trant, Rita Fryer, and Patty Machin enjoying their Party of Four lunch at Dakota's.
Party of Four friendships made by Christine Powell, Cathy
Krafve, Gwendolyn Winters and Dawn Franks.
Message from Kristen
Women's Fund has 31 new members who have joined for 2016! We are excited to welcome these dynamic women to our collective giving circle. Please know you can be as involved as you wish - you can just "write a check" or fi nd di� erent levels of involvement from committee membership to attending educational and membership recruitment events.
If you have questions, please call the o� ce, 903-509-1771, or contact Ti� any Kirgan, Member Relations and Education Chair, ti� [email protected].
Welcome New Members
Accolades The Women’s Fund of Smith County is pleased to help recognize outstanding accomplishments among its members. Two recent honorees of note are:
Gillian Sheridan – celebrated at the Women in Tyler Day Luncheon on March 31 as one of the “Women with a Cause” honorees. Gillian’s heartfelt work in helping foster children fi nd “forever families” has impacted the lives of countless East Texans.
Laura Koenig Young – recently appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abott to the Governor’s Commission for Women. Established in 1967, the commission serves as a liaison between Texas women, government agencies and private entities addressing women’s needs.
2016 Leadership OverviewWomen's Fund Board of Directors 2016 Marty Wiggins,
Board Chair
Val Anderson, Advancement Co-ChairPeggy Berry,Advancement Co-ChairKathryn Droder,RSVP Co-ChairBeth Filla,Impact ChairJohnna FullenMarilyn Abegg GlassJudith GuthrieLori HoltSebetha Jenkins-BookerTi� any Kirgan,Member Relations/Education ChairNancy Lamar,RSVP Co-Chair
Carol LangstonKay LattaVera Moore,Grants ChairMargaret PerkinsDeborah RaceMarjorie ReamCathy ShippJenny Sloan,Finance & Investment ChairPatty Steelman, Chair ElectEllen Krafve TrantAgnes Ward
On March 17, the Women's Fund moved to new permanent o� ces, 4908 Hightech Drive. We are in the building that also holds Capstone College and Career Advising, headed by Donna Spann. Donna is a continuous charter member of Women's Fund and now a great o� ce partner.
We have our own o� ce space and shared meeting space; a small conference room; and a large conference room that accommodates committee and board meetings. Reservations will be required to use the rooms, so be sure to call and let us know if you would like schedule a meeting there.
Please come by and see our beautiful and functional new o� ces when you are in the neighborhood.
Kristen Seeber,President/CEO
Women's Fund acquires new offices
It is my blessing to be holding hands with all of you in this beautiful giving circle! Thank you for welcoming me with such kindness and grace. I am inspired by each of you and by your commitment to philanthropy.
The reception in February at the TJC Center for Earth & Space Science Education was glorious! I loved the opportunity to meet so many of you personally and to celebrate together. Heartfelt gratitude goes to Ti� any Kirgan and the Member Relations & Education Committee for taking special care of the details and to Kim Lessner for being our gracious hostess. As we all stood under the “stars” that evening, I reminded the group of the North Star - famous for holding nearly still in our sky while the entire northern sky moves around it. The Women’s Fund mission of leveraging the philanthropic capacity of women as a catalyst for positive change is our North Star. That is what guides us, shows us the way and gives us light.
Many activities and events swirl around us, but our mission stays constant. If we stay focused on that, our steps will be sure and steady. I look forward to many bright days ahead! Let’s give, serve and learn together…always looking true North!
The Women's Fund of Smith County leverages the philanthropic capacity of women as a catalyst for positive change.www.WomensFundSC.org
4908 Hightech Dr.Tyler, TX 75703www.WomensFundSC.org
PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LONGVIEW, TX
PERMIT No. 9
IS YOUR NAME ON THIS LIST?Recruiting and retaining members is vital to the success of the Women’s Fund, and we would love to see your name here! Please take a look at this current membership list. Who is missing who might enjoy the camaraderie, learning opportunities and joy of giving to our community? Your friends, neighbors, co-workers, fellow volunteers? Invite those women to our next event and give them the opportunity to be included in a unique circle of giving that benefits our community in immeasurable ways. 2016 Women's Fund Membership
(as of April 13, 2016)
Silver Visionary$3,000+
Peaches Owen Margaret Perkins Sally Schultz Suzi Streit
Yvonne Sturrock
Diamond Visionary(Endowment Donation)
$25,000 Sasha Vukelja/Maxi Anderson* Alison Kirby
Carolyn Novick Women in Tyler*Laura K. Young*
*Denotes Charter MemberDonor Advised Fund At ETCF
W. Joy AdamsVal AndersonPaula Anthony*Cristi ArscottKimberly Ashley*Barbara Bass*Darla Bennett*Peggy Berry*Evelyn C. Bochow*Rhonda BossartDeeDee Bufe*Joyce Buford*Kara Camp*
Michelle CarrJune CheathamCarole Clark*Emily Coats*Nancy CooperShannon Dacus*Kathryn DroderBetsy EllisTomi EllisMary Fischer*Dawn Franks*Rita FryerJennifer Moore Gaston
Marilyn Abegg Glass*Nez GrossDebbie Gunter*Judith Guthrie*Marsha Harrison*Diane Heindel*Cindy HenryJennifer Lee HenryLori HoltSharon Kay Howell*Virginia B. HudsonElysia IdellJoanne Idell*
Mary IrwinHelen Israel*Sebetha Jenkins-BookerDeborah Jordan*Tiffany KirganCindy Klein*Kay Latta*Arielle LeeCarol Lott*Lisa M. LujanFritter McNally*Mechele Mills
Visionary - $1,200
Dreamer - $600+
Gold Visionary$5,000
Johnna Fullen
Sue AdamsBess Arnold*Theresa AvirettMargo BallewSandra BarkerJeanne BlytheGillian Brasfi eld*Driedra BrelsfordMelissa BrigmanJoyce Brown*Maelen BynumJackie CannonPeggy ChurchmanDawn Clark
Kimberly CobbDaye CollinsJean M. DarkMarcia DaughtreyDeborah DavisMauri DouglasKarleen DraperSandra J. DuganMartha DunlapErin EmeryRebecca EspositoKristy A. EverittBeth FillaAnnette Findley*
Marcia GarrettMara GayBarbara GlassKathy GohmertJennifer GreenRachel GregoryBetsy Brush HahnKathrine HartvicksonSuzy HensleyJanis HighDiane HodgeJana HumphreyLaura Hyde*Deleisa Johnson
Sandra KingCathy KrafveAshley KutachNancy Lamar*Carol Langston*Kim LessnerPam Lisner*Molly LittleNaomi MachinPatty MachinJanet Majors*Donna Mann-BeltKim McClureDebra McCook
Marlene McDadeNita MeadsDonna MetkeMary MeyersKelly MichaelsDorota MillerAnita MooreConnie MooreEllen Mussleman*Denise L. NelmsDr. Martha Oates*Stephanie OgleSheryl Rogers PalmerKaren Partee
Whitney PattersonMarsha PettigrewFreida PhillipsNancie PritchardJeni RamseyKaren RascoTerri RatherLinda RicheyCarrie Anna RobertsMargaret RowanLinda Rowe*Rebecca SandersSherri SatterwiteDebbie M. Shafer
Diane Moore*Vera Moore*Lana PeacockFreda Peppard*Deborah Race*Ginny RaglandMarjorie Ream*Felicity Reedy*Kristi C. Roberts*Smittee RootCindy Baker Rudd*Lisa SaffordSusan Saxenmeyer*
Kristen SeeberLinda Sellers*Sandy Shepard*Gillian Sheridan*Cathy Shipp*Barbara ShtofmanCarol W. Smith*
Jo Ann Smith*Suzy SmithVicki Sorrell*Donna SpannLynda SpeakPatty Steelman
SAVE THE DATE Power of the Purse Luncheon October 25, 2016
Teresa ShermanAnnala ShirleyLibby ShoupBarbara Sjerven*Jenny SloanGay SmithRebecca SmithLe'Anne SoutherlandMargaret StewartJeanne StovallDelane Caesar SykesLinda WarrenDebra WashmonMelissa WilliamsonElisa Willis
Penny StephensLucy Stringer*Patricia TerrellEllen Krafve TrantElizabeth WaldropJo Ellan WalleyAgnes WardBeth WhitneyMarty Wiggins*Karen Williams
