This quote by Debby Boone inspired a group of 13 women to join together and form a women’s giving circle in the spring of 2009. They wanted to impact their community now and in the future by identifying what needs in Georgetown were not being met and providing a philanthropic path to address those needs.
The name they selected represents the idea of many small seeds being planted to grow into something strong that benefits its surroundings. Seeds of Strength was born.
The Giving Circle provides the opportunity for individuals to come together, combine their dollars in a shared fund, and through a voting process collectively decide where to give the money. Our finalists’ presentations to members are powerful! Each member is eligible to vote for the nonprofit agency she wants to receive funding.
The first year, in June of 2010, five nonprofits were awarded $55,000, and since then Seeds of Strength has continued to grow. This year, 2024, $156,500 was distributed to eleven local nonprofits. Since its inception, Seeds of Strength has awarded $2,208,500 to nonprofit agencies in our community.
Our education events and gatherings support our members’ understanding of philanthropy. Together we share in the joy of giving.
Seeds of Strength is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our Team
July 2024 – September 2025
Board of Directors
- Amy Bawcom – President
- Pam Carlson – President Elect
- Patti Groce – Treasurer
- Barbie Sproull – Secretary
- Mary Bray – Director
- Peggy Campbell – Director
- Lexi Elliot – Director
- Janelle McNeill – Director
- Laura Packard – Immediate Past President
Committee Chair Council
- Kiersty Lombar – Communications/Technology Committee Chair
- Patty Moore – Compliance Committee Chair
- Cindy Harrington – Events Committee Chair
- Patti Groce – Finance Committee Chair
- JoAnnah Potts – Founders Grant Chair
- Pam Carlson – Governance Committee Chair
- Laura Packard – Grants Committee Chair
- Linda Wiseman – Membership Committee Chair
- Laura Packard – Nominating Committee Chair
Advisory Council
- Karron Wilson* – Advisory Council Chair, Past SoS Chair/President, Non-Profit Management
- Karen Cole* – Attorney, Past SoS Chair/President and a Seeds of Strength founder
- Brad Curlee – President, Prosperity Bank
- Claire Hallett – General Manager, Berry Creek Country Club
- Barbara Hallmark* – Past SoS Chair/President and a Seeds of Strength founder
- Elizabeth McFarland* – Attorney, Georgetown ISD Board of Trustees
- Joe Orsak – Non-profit management, Fundraising
- Barbie Sproull* – Marketing Director, Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick
* Denotes an SoS member on the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is composed of Seeds of Strength members and community representatives.
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Past Presidents
- Jul 2023-Jun 2024 – Laura Packard
- Jul 2022-Jun 2023 – Marsi Liddell
- Jul 2021-Jun 2022 – Susie Logan
- Jul 2020-Jun 2021 – Karron Wilson
- Oct 2019-Jun 2020 – Terri Boroczk
- Oct 2018-Sep 2019 – Lexi Elliott
- Oct 2017-Sep 2018 – Cindy Locke
- Oct 2016-Sep 2017 – Linda Foster-Smith
- Oct 2015-Sep 2016 – Pat Donica
- Jan 2015-Sep 2015 – Christine Hightower
- Jan 2014-Dec 2014 – Karen Cole
- Jan 2013-Dec 2013 – Kathy Krause
- Mar 2011-Dec 2012 – Eugenia Koog
- Jul 2010-Feb 2011 – Eugenia Koog & Judy Novak
- 2009-Jun 2010 – Barbara Brightwell & Barbara Hallmark