DC Women's Giving Circle 2011 Annual Meeting

The Daviess County Women's Giving Circle Advisory Board, from L to R, Barbara Wichman, Jeannie Burks, Pat Thompson, Sherry Davis, Jeanne Fields, Linda Myers, Betty Norris, Deborah Bennett, and Vicki Riester.

The Daviess County Women's Giving Circle gathered on August 25, 2011, to celebrate their first year of working together to improve the quality of lives of women in Daviess County. The Antioch Christian Chruch was transformed into a Tropical Celebration with delicious Deserts before Dinner such as a Tropical Fruit Cascade provided by Ketcham Memorial Center and Kathy Wittmer, Tropical Coconut Bites from Sue Taylor and cooking students from the Lighthouse Women's Center, and a variety of Cake Balls by Susan Mouldin.

Linda Myers welcomed everyone and thanked all involved for their hard work for this event and throughout the year. Linda then introduced the guest speakers who represented the grants awarded in May of this year. The Lighthouse on Main had 3 representatives who told of the positive impact cooking classes are making for them. General kitchen skills may seem basic, but these ladies are very appreciative of the opportunity to learn and grow their skills.

Micki McCullough represented the Pregnancy Care Center and told how the educational opportunities for the board members and staff will improve their ability to serve their clients.

The business meeting portion of the agenda included introduction of the Steering Committee, presentation of the nominated Advisory Board and officers for 2011 through 2013, the Vision Statement, the Mission Statement and the By laws for the group. All items were approved by the members present.

Several of the ladies in attendance renewed their membership for another year and some of the guests became first time members. Members are asked to attend two meetings a year and contribute $2.00 per week, or $100.00 per year. The membership fees are added to two funds, one-half to the Daviess County Women's Giving Circle Endowment Fund and one-half to the Daviess County Women's Giving Circle Non-Permanent Fund. Income earned on the Endowment Fund and the balance in the Non-Permanent Fund will be available to grant to non-profit organizations in Daviess County who serve the needs of women in Daviess County. These grants will be open for application after the first of the year in 2012.

The Women's Giving Circle is making plans to offer all women in Daviess County educational luncheons during the next year covering topics such as: Financial Planning and Women's Health Issues. When these plans are completed, we will be announcing dates and places.