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The following is
a reprint from the Dodge City Daily Globe,
posted Nov 04, 2011
New philanthropic group organizes to enhance the lives of
women
By Don
Steele
"Women of
Inspiration" is a new group aimed at raising and
distributing funds to enhance the lives of women through
improving the educational, social, cultural, health and
civic resources of the community. And you can get in on the
ground floor.
The local
group will join nearly 100 such groups nationwide in the
effort.
The
organization, which will function as a committee of the
Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas, is seeking
businesses and individuals who will commit funds in any
amount.
"We have
established a target donation level for voting members of
the group, but we'll happily accept smaller contributions,"
said Stephanie Groth, program director for the Community
Foundation.
"And also
larger ones," added Margaret Hamilton, a member of the
organizational committee.
The committee
is hoping to sign up 50 (or more) women who will commit to
an initial contribution of $1,200 and an annual contribution
of $200. The initial contribution will be divided into a
$1,000 contribution to the organization's endowment and a
$200 contribution to immediate grant funding. Donors at or
above this level will participate in decisions about
disbursement of funds.
Contributions
at this level can be paid quarterly over one year.
Businesses
who wish to contribute may name a female employee as their
representative. The committee also suggests that women who
want to be involved consider asking their employers to
contribute.
"We hope to
fill a gap in the foundation's efforts and meet specific
needs in the community," Groth said.
The
foundation currently administers a number of scholarship
funds as well as donor-advised funds.
Women of
Inspiration hopes to focus on such needs as parenting
skills, career guidance, education advancement, employment
enhancement, emotional enrichment, financial strategies,
healthy relationships and physical health.
Getting the ball rolling
A luncheon
has been planned to provide information to potential donors.
The event will be at noon Nov. 15 at the Magouirk Conference
Center.
"You don't
have to sign up that day," Hamilton said, " and no one will
be under any obligation to participate."
The luncheon
is free and, although donations of any amount will be
accepted, the prime goal is to provide information.
The RSVP
deadline has been extended into next week, because
organizers were concerned that the response to invitations
had been tentative.
"I think some
of the people we invited got the idea it costs $1,200 to
attend the luncheon," Groth said.
Jacque
Kemmerer, owner/operator of the Dodge City Women's Health
Clinic, will be the speaker at the luncheon. She will
discuss the needs of women in our community.
A long-term effort
Once funds
are collected, the participating donors will meet two to
four times each year to propose grants and vote on fund
distribution.
"The process
is still being developed," Groth said, "and that's why we
hope women will get involved now to help shape the
organization, who it supports and how."
As a separate
fund under the community foundation's umbrella, funding
recommendations made by the participating donors will be
approved by the foundation's board.
"We encourage
everyone to attend and those who have already signed up
should consider bringing a friend," Groth said.
For more
information about the organization or the luncheon, call
Stephanie Groth at (620) 225-0959 or e-mail her at
steph.cfsk@sbcglobal.net.
Copyright 2011 Dodge City Daily Globe. Some rights reserved
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