New members! Hurray! Welcome!
by Babs Cape –
As a new member one year ago, I was over the moon! I thought Seeds of Strength looked awesome on paper. And now, having blogged for the SoS Communications Committee and visited some of the grantees, I have come down to earth to find that SoS is even more amazing in reality! Being a part of SoS has brought home the need for our help — and the fact that we can help! We ARE helping!
This and more was shared with almost all of our new 59 members at the New Member Event, held on April 5. New members mingled with “experienced” members to meet and to learn about the whole organization.
Membership Chair Barbara Garland welcomed everyone and shared these facts: On April 6, 2009, six women laid out the plan for an all-woman philanthropic group to help those in need in our Georgetown community. Now, 8 years later, SoS has grown to a 231-member entity and has given to-date $813,000 in 58 grants!
SoS Chair Linda Foster-Smith extended her welcome. In giving her overview, she emphasized how amazingly well-organized and well-run our volunteer organization is (“better than some big corporations!”). Peggy Campbell introduced the Grants and Vote Night, In-Coming Chair Cindy Locke presented Visioning Planning, and Christine Hightower explained the group’s voting process. Terri Boroczk related how the Compliance Committee enjoys the opportunity of visiting the grantees to see first-hand how SoS giving is helping each one to better serve our community. Lexi Elliott, presented information on how the Events Committee plans SoS membership social parties.
New members were wooed by the opportunities for engaging themselves in the SoS activities and experiencing the real take-away: it’s the giver who receives and learns. Beyond “serving,” members have the opportunities of attending 5 special events in a year, from the fun and social moments to the peak time of voting and awarding –the big night deciding and presenting the grants to the non-profits deemed most qualified. This year’s event is May 4; SoS will grant funds of $160,000.
In my first year as a SoS member I have gained insights into neighborhood needs and made so many new friends who amaze me. I now have a better view from the ground up of just what can be done with leadership, compassion and drive. I am thrilled to be a part our growing garden! Let’s plant more seeds!