Newsletter Spring 16.indd

A Circle of Women
Growing Philanthropy
Spring 2016
Women's Fund of Smith County Announces 2016 Grants
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 benefit 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.”
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 first grants awards in 2009, the Women’s Fund has now provided $958,125 to programs that benefit
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!”
Kristen Seeber, WF President;
Kim Lewis, Goodwill ED;
Vera Moore, WF Grant Chair
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
nonprofits 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
Goodwill Industries of East Texas
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 offenders. Kim Lewis, Executive Director of Goodwill Industries, accepted the award on behalf of the
organization.
Next Step Community Solutions
Kristen Seeber, WF President;
Collin Phaup, Next Step Board Member;
Sally Schultz, WF Grant Committee
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 staff 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.
Camp Tyler Outdoor School
The final grant of $51,670 was awarded to Camp Tyler Outdoor School in support of its “Camp Tyler Unleashed”
program. This project will allow fifty campers – all entering sixth grade – to learn the four C’s of communication,
commitment and care for character during a five-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.
Kristen Seeber, WF President;
Mike Ballew, Camp Tyler Interim ED;
Beth Filla, WF Grant Committee
Mother’s Day Luncheon
Honoring Moms and Inspiring Women
Women’s Fund of Smith County
Presenting Sponsor
Joyce Buford Charitable Fund
at East Texas Communities Foundation
Willow Brook Country Club
11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Luncheon tickets $35 per person
Honor 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 information
Luncheon Chair
Whitney Patterson 903.245.1138/[email protected]
Advancement Co-Chairs/Sponsorships
Val Anderson 903.520.9458/[email protected]
Peggy Berry 903.571.6430/[email protected]
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 nonprofits by connecting donors with area nonprofits,
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.
Message from the Chair
Great giving, service starts with “why”
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
fields of law, education, healthcare, management, community service,
real estate and finance. 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?”
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 defining 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 nonprofit 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.
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” first, not “what” happens within the organization or
“how.” The Women’s Fund was created as a unique opportunity in for
women to pool their financial resources, resulting in high-impact grants
for programs benefiting 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.”
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 nonprofit
organizations and seeing the long-term impact of pooled
funds for our community and individuals.
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 defining why we care, why we exist as
an organization and how we can best impact and inspire others.
Warmest Regards,
2016 Chair
Visit www.womensfundsc.org for membership information and ongoing
updates regarding the Women’s Fund of Smith County.
Party of Four
dishes 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 first quarter luncheons received rave reviews, so
sign up now for future Party of Four lunches!
Contact the office - 903 509-1771 or
email [email protected] if you are interested
in participating.
Thank you Compass Club members
for helping us chart our course!
Compass Club Members
Barbara Bass
Sharon Howell
in
honor
of Kay Howell
Gay Brookshire
in honor of Lila Ozkan Jones
Virginia Boyd Hudson
in memory of Dorothy Sampson Boyd
Emily Coats
Sebetha Jenkins-Booker
Shannon Dacus
Kay Latta
Kathryn Droder
in honor of Mrs. Marion McGowan
Lisa Lujan
Mary Fischer
Carolyn Novick
Dawn Franks
Sheryl Palmer
Johnna Fullen
Margaret Perkins
in
honor
of Mary John Spence
Marilyn Abegg Glass
Deborah Race
in honor of Jenna Allen
Barbara Shtofman
Judith Guthrie
Patty Steelman
An opportunity for Women's Fund members to provide
unrestricted gifts
Ellen Trant, Rita Fryer, and
Patty Machin enjoying their
Party of Four lunch at Dakota's.
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 financial future.
We welcome new Compass Club members - Shannon Dacus,
Dawn Franks, Johnna Fullen, Judith Guthrie and Patty
Steelman.
Party of Four friendships made
by Christine Powell, Cathy
Krafve, Gwendolyn Winters and
Dawn Franks.
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 [email protected].
2016 Leadership Overview
Women's Fund Board of Directors 2016
Marty Wiggins,
Board Chair
Kristen Seeber,
President/CEO
Val Anderson,
Carol Langston
Kay Latta
Vera Moore,
Advancement Co-Chair
Peggy Berry,
Advancement Co-Chair
Kathryn Droder,
RSVP Co-Chair
Beth Filla,
Impact Chair
Johnna Fullen
Marilyn Abegg Glass
Judith Guthrie
Lori Holt
Sebetha Jenkins-Booker
Tiffany Kirgan,
Member Relations/Education Chair
Grants Chair
Margaret Perkins
Deborah Race
Marjorie Ream
Cathy Shipp
Jenny Sloan,
Finance & Investment Chair
Patty Steelman,
Chair Elect
Ellen Krafve Trant
Agnes Ward
Nancy Lamar,
RSVP Co-Chair
Women's Fund acquires new
offices
On March 17, the Women's Fund moved to new permanent
offices, 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 office partner.
We have our own office 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
offices when you are in the neighborhood.
Welcome New Members
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 find different levels
of involvement from committee membership to attending
educational and membership recruitment events.
If you have questions, please call the office, 903-509-1771, or
contact Tiffany Kirgan, Member Relations and Education Chair,
[email protected].
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 find “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.
Message from Kristen
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 Tiffany 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!
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LONGVIEW, TX
4908 Hightech Dr.
Tyler, TX 75703
PERMIT No. 9
www.WomensFundSC.org
SAVE THE DATE
Power of the Purse Luncheon
October 25, 2016
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, coworkers, 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)
Diamond Visionary
Gold Visionary
$5,000
Johnna Fullen
*Denotes Charter Member
(Endowment Donation)
Silver Visionary
$25,000
Sasha Vukelja/Maxi Anderson* Alison Kirby
Carolyn Novick
Women in Tyler*
Laura K. Young*
$3,000+
Peaches Owen
Margaret Perkins
Sally Schultz
Suzi Streit
Yvonne Sturrock
Donor Advised Fund At ETCF
W. Joy Adams
Val Anderson
Paula Anthony*
Cristi Arscott
Kimberly Ashley*
Barbara Bass*
Darla Bennett*
Peggy Berry*
Evelyn C. Bochow*
Rhonda Bossart
DeeDee Bufe*
Joyce Buford*
Kara Camp*
Michelle Carr
June Cheatham
Carole Clark*
Emily Coats*
Nancy Cooper
Shannon Dacus*
Kathryn Droder
Betsy Ellis
Tomi Ellis
Mary Fischer*
Dawn Franks*
Rita Fryer
Jennifer Moore Gaston
Visionary - $1,200
Marilyn Abegg Glass*
Nez Gross
Debbie Gunter*
Judith Guthrie*
Marsha Harrison*
Diane Heindel*
Cindy Henry
Jennifer Lee Henry
Lori Holt
Sharon Kay Howell*
Virginia B. Hudson
Elysia Idell
Joanne Idell*
Mary Irwin
Helen Israel*
Sebetha JenkinsBooker
Deborah Jordan*
Tiffany Kirgan
Cindy Klein*
Kay Latta*
Arielle Lee
Carol Lott*
Lisa M. Lujan
Fritter McNally*
Mechele Mills
Diane Moore*
Vera Moore*
Lana Peacock
Freda Peppard*
Deborah Race*
Ginny Ragland
Marjorie Ream*
Felicity Reedy*
Kristi C. Roberts*
Smittee Root
Cindy Baker Rudd*
Lisa Safford
Susan Saxenmeyer*
Kristen Seeber
Linda Sellers*
Sandy Shepard*
Gillian Sheridan*
Cathy Shipp*
Barbara Shtofman
Carol W. Smith*
Jo Ann Smith*
Suzy Smith
Vicki Sorrell*
Donna Spann
Lynda Speak
Patty Steelman
Penny Stephens
Lucy Stringer*
Patricia Terrell
Ellen Krafve Trant
Elizabeth Waldrop
Jo Ellan Walley
Agnes Ward
Beth Whitney
Marty Wiggins*
Karen Williams
Whitney Patterson
Marsha Pettigrew
Freida Phillips
Nancie Pritchard
Jeni Ramsey
Karen Rasco
Terri Rather
Linda Richey
Carrie Anna Roberts
Margaret Rowan
Linda Rowe*
Rebecca Sanders
Sherri Satterwite
Debbie M. Shafer
Teresa Sherman
Annala Shirley
Libby Shoup
Barbara Sjerven*
Jenny Sloan
Gay Smith
Rebecca Smith
Le'Anne Southerland
Margaret Stewart
Jeanne Stovall
Delane Caesar Sykes
Linda Warren
Debra Washmon
Melissa Williamson
Elisa Willis
Dreamer - $600+
Sue Adams
Bess Arnold*
Theresa Avirett
Margo Ballew
Sandra Barker
Jeanne Blythe
Gillian Brasfield*
Driedra Brelsford
Melissa Brigman
Joyce Brown*
Maelen Bynum
Jackie Cannon
Peggy Churchman
Dawn Clark
Kimberly Cobb
Daye Collins
Jean M. Dark
Marcia Daughtrey
Deborah Davis
Mauri Douglas
Karleen Draper
Sandra J. Dugan
Martha Dunlap
Erin Emery
Rebecca Esposito
Kristy A. Everitt
Beth Filla
Annette Findley*
Marcia Garrett
Mara Gay
Barbara Glass
Kathy Gohmert
Jennifer Green
Rachel Gregory
Betsy Brush Hahn
Kathrine Hartvickson
Suzy Hensley
Janis High
Diane Hodge
Jana Humphrey
Laura Hyde*
Deleisa Johnson
Sandra King
Cathy Krafve
Ashley Kutach
Nancy Lamar*
Carol Langston*
Kim Lessner
Pam Lisner*
Molly Little
Naomi Machin
Patty Machin
Janet Majors*
Donna Mann-Belt
Kim McClure
Debra McCook
Marlene McDade
Nita Meads
Donna Metke
Mary Meyers
Kelly Michaels
Dorota Miller
Anita Moore
Connie Moore
Ellen Mussleman*
Denise L. Nelms
Dr. Martha Oates*
Stephanie Ogle
Sheryl Rogers Palmer
Karen Partee
The Women's Fund of Smith County leverages the philanthropic capacity of women as a catalyst for positive change.
www.WomensFundSC.org