GWC Annual Meeting, “Celebrating Our First Year!”, at Greenwood Genetic Center, March 26, 2019

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GWC members and guests met Tuesday, March 26 at the Greenwood Genetic Center to celebrate our first Annual Meeting.

Champagne, punch, appetizers, strawberry parfaits, and cookies representing our grant awards (specially crafted by Connie Carstens) were enjoyed by all!

Angelle LaBorde, Chair of the Programs & Education Committee, introduced Dawn Puderbaugh Hodges who gave an informative talk about the history and overview of the programs at the Greenwood Genetic Center, our hosting venue. Anne Hancock, Chair of the Governance & Finance Committee, presented the slate of GWC Officers and Steering Committee which was approved by the Members present. They are: Laura Bachinski and Mary Woodiwiss, Co-Chairs; Laura Stowe, Secretary; Lou Noel, Treasurer; Summer Booker, Kelly Buckshorn, Alison Fletcher, Anne Hancock, Angelle LaBorde, Megha Lal, Deborah Parks, Anna Welborn, and Trentsie Williams.

Mary Woodiwiss reviewed highlights of our first year, including the key activities of each committee. Mary noted our 2019 GWC Grant recipients, with awards totaling $47,625 (as previously announced to the Membership). We were excited to learn that the financial health of GWC going into our second year is extremely strong with balances as follows: Granting Fund $42,536, Endowment Fund $23,516, and Administration Budget $6,498.

Looking towards the future, Laura Bachinski discussed ways to support GWC through Gift Memberships as well as gifts made in memory or honor of an individual. She also spoke of the importance of strengthening the framework of GWC through our Standing Committees. Laura briefly discussed our annual calendar, social events, and made us aware that we could look forward to our November Meeting when we will hear from our grant recipients.

GWC Presentation at Together SC Summit, March 12, 2019

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GWC’s Grants Review & Awards Committee held a workshop entitled “Grant Writing 101” that was open to the community and welcomed 31 attendees. The workshop was developed by GWC Members Wendi Andrews, Sandra McMullen, and Kathy Emily, and included a panel of four local funders: Selynto Anderson (Self Regional Hospital Foundation), Marisel Losa, (United Way), Mamie Nicholson (Self Family Foundation) and Mary Woodiwiss (Greenwood County Community Foundation). Attendees learned about principles and practical steps for writing effective grant proposals to assist them in seeking funding through GWC grants or other sources.

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GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Time to Vote!”, at The Museum, February 25, 2019

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Greenwood Women Care enjoyed a record turnout for our first Quarterly Meeting of 2019 with more than 90 Members attending our inaugural granting assembly.  The Museum provided an excellent venue for our evening!

Our meeting began with an extended social time downstairs at The Museum where we were treated to delicious appetizers and chocolates along with numerous beverage options, arranged by the Social Committee. We moved to the upper gallery for the program, with content chosen by the Programs and Education Committee. Karen Jennings, Executive Director of The Museum, graciously welcomed us and directed our attention to the various featured exhibits. Trentsie Williams, Steering Committee member, opened the meeting by highlighting numerous GWC accomplishments. Pattie Fender, Communications Committee member, was acknowledged for her initiation of the GWC Facebook page. Members were encouraged to “like” and “share” our new Facebook page.

After committee presentations, all completed a brief form indicating their committee interests. Members were encouraged to join a committee if time and interest allow; however, we were also given the opportunity to decline committee affiliations.

Laura Bachinski, of the Grants Committee, reviewed voting procedures for our very first GWC Grant Awards and granting questions were entertained.  Laura also reminded us of our upcoming Annual Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 26th, 5:30-7:00 at the Greenwood Genetic Center.

Sincere thanks are extended to The Museum, Simon Says Grow for the lovely table flowers, and those GWC Members who presented along with those who worked behind the scenes to make our meeting a success.

GWC New Members’ Welcome, February 19, 2019

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GWC is delighted to have 26 new 2019 Members, as of February 15th! Several on the Steering and Membership Committees – Mary Woodiwiss, Laura Stowe, Laura Bachinski, and Summer Booker – hosted an informal gathering at the home of Mary Woodiwiss on Tuesday, February 19th. All enjoyed light fare and drinks, warm and lively camaraderie, and a brief overview of GWC’s first year and aims for the year ahead. There was time for questions, discussion, and continued conversation. The evening was well attended and was a great way for those new to GWC to meet a smaller cohort before our first Quarterly Meeting on February 25th.

GWC’s “Shake Off the Winter Blues”, at Wild Hare Productions, January 8, 2019

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GWC members and guests gathered on Tuesday, January 8th to enjoy our “Shake Off the Winter Blues” winter social at Wild Hare Productions, located in Hampton Place Shopping Center. Numerous members contributed savory appetizers and/or sweets which resulted in overflowing tables of delicious treats and beverages.

Bess Park opened the entertainment portion of the evening with a quick introduction to her Wild Hare Productions which consists of both nonprofit dance and theatre. Scenes from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night were performed by six of Wild Hare’s Youth Shakespeare cast members, along with a quick synopsis by Bess between the scenes. Mary Woodiwiss then welcomed our members and guests, extending our GWC invitation for guests to attend all of our regular meetings and to consider joining GWC in 2019. Mary also emphasized our strong pool of 16 grant applicants for our first GWC Grant awards to be made in February. Nearly all of our 2018 members have renewed their memberships for 2019 and we have also welcomed 14 new members so far this year.

Thank you to all members and guests, especially to those who contributed our evening’s refreshments. Many thanks to Bess Park for opening up the theatre portion of her Wild Hare Production to us and providing us with the delightful scenes from Twelfth Night.  We look forward to seeing all members of GWC at our very important February 25th  Quarterly Meeting at The Museum.

GCCF Funds Open Granting Awards, December 2018

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GCCF gave grants in our 2018 Open Granting cycle to the following organizations to fund specific programs or projects:

Alston Wilkes Society for staff salary and client workshop materials

Beyond Abuse for protective awnings at agency site

Connie Maxwell Children’s Home for “Fostering Families” program

Engaging Men of Color for “Standing Firm to be My Brother’s Keeper” conference expenses

Greenwood Pathway House for a commercial dishwasher for the men’s shelter

Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont for furnishing a community room at the palliative care center

Immanuel Lutheran Church Soup Kitchen for purchase and installation of an AED

Meg’s House  for client transportation to places of employment

United Center for Community Care (UCCC) for a digital information sign at UCCC highlighting nonprofits housed and services offered at UCCC

Thank you to these organizations that carry out such good work for the benefit of our community!

Greenwood Women Care logo

GWC 2017-2018 Highlights, December 2018

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GWC Highlights 2017-2018

June 29, 2017   1st meeting of original GWC Steering Committee of five women

October 10, 2017   1st GWC Charter Membership checks received!

October 2017 – April 2018   Eight informal gatherings hosted by GWC Steering Committee and Charter Members to introduce GWC to community women and invite their participation

February 20, 2018   1st GWC Quarterly Meeting, held at The Museum

Attended by 53 GWC Charter Members and ~ 40 guests

Reception, followed by presentations by: Teresa Goodman (Executive Director, Community Initiatives), Anne Craig (Executive Director, Arts Council of Greenwood County), Megha Lal and Mary Woodiwiss (GWC Steering Committee)

April 30, 2018   GWC Charter Members’ Celebration, hosted by Wesley Commons

Attended by 75 of our 104 Charter Members, featuring musical performances by Louise Robinson

May 15, 2018   2nd GWC Quarterly Meeting, held at The Arts Center

Attended by 55 GWC Charter Members and ~ 20 guests

Reception, followed by program “Offering Hope: Services for Women and Children in Crisis” featuring presentations by: Cathy Miller (Executive Director, Beyond Abuse) and Alice Hodges (Executive Director, Meg’s House) and GWC Committee updates

August 28, 2018   3rd GWC Quarterly Meeting, held at Church of the Resurrection

Attended by 50 GWC Members and ~ 10 guests

Reception, followed by program “Back by Popular Demand: The Penguin Project” featuring presentations by: Stephen Gilbert (Executive Director, Greenwood Community Theatre) and Lacy Gunter (parent of Penguin Project actor) and GWC Grants Committee presentation

September 2018 GWC Grants Cycle and application process announced to Greenwood County nonprofits and community

September 26 and 27, 2018 GWC Grants information meetings held for nonprofits

October 1, 2018   GWC Fall Social “A Farm Drop-In”, held at the DiBenedetto farm

Attended by 45 GWC Members and ~ 15 guests

October 15, 2018 GWC Grant Writing Workshop offered to all interested participants

October 1- December 15    GWC Grant Applications acceptance dates

October – December 2018 Informal gatherings hosted by GWC Members and GWC presentations to other community groups to introduce GWC to community women and invite their participation                         

November 13, 2018   4th GWC Quarterly Meeting, held at St. Mark United Methodist Church, Rivers St. campus

Reception, followed by program “Homelessness and Hunger in our Hometown” featuring presentations by: Wendi Andrews (Executive Director, Food Bank of Greenwood County) and Ken Kelly (Executive Director, Greenwood Pathway House) and GWC Grants Committee and GWC Endowment presentation

December 31, 2018   GWC 2019 renewal due date

GWC 4th Quarterly Meeting, “Homelessness and Hunger in our Hometown”, at St. Mark UMC, November 13, 2018

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The 4th Quarterly Meeting of Greenwood Women Care was held on Tuesday, November 13, at the Rivers Street extension of St. Mark Methodist Church. Fall desserts and beverages were arranged by the Social Committee. Lisa Smith, a member of the Programs & Education Committee, welcomed everyone and introduced our program, “Homelessness and Hunger in Our Hometown”, featuring Ken Kelly, Operations Officer and past Executive Director, and Anthony Price, Executive Director of Greenwood Pathway House, and Wendi Andrews, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Greenwood County. Anne Craig, Alison Fletcher, and Angelle LaBorde presented reports for the Grants Review & Awards and Governance & Finance Committees. Boo Ramage spoke about the purpose of the GWC Endowment, a fund created with a portion of each membership contribution and signifying a commitment to the future of GWC. Summer Booker of the Membership Committee reported that 28 of our 104 Charter Member have already renewed and 8 new members have joined GWC for 2019. This gathering was attended by 50 members and 10 guests.

GWC Grant Writing Workshop, “Grant Writing 101”, October 15, 2018

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GWC’s Grants Review & Awards Committee held a workshop entitled “Grant Writing 101” that was open to the community and welcomed 31 attendees. The workshop was developed by GWC Members Wendi Andrews, Sandra McMullen, and Kathy Emily, and included a panel of four local funders: Selynto Anderson (Self Regional Healthcare Foundation), Marisel Losa, (United Way), Mamie Nicholson (Self Family Foundation), and Mary Woodiwiss (Greenwood County Community Foundation and Greenwood Women Care). Attendees learned about principles and practical steps for writing effective grant proposals to assist them in seeking funding through GWC grants or other sources.

GWC Fall Social, “A Farm Drop-In”, October 1, 2018

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On Monday, October 1, GWC enjoyed a very special Fall Social, “A Farm Drop-In”. About 50 GWC Members and 15 guests gathered in the early autumn twilight at the farm of GWC Member, Catherine DiBenedetto. The evening was an opportunity to mingle and get to know each other in a relaxed and beautiful setting. Attendees enjoyed a delicious assortment of appetizers and desserts brought to the gathering by Members. There was no agenda or program, just a couple of lovely hours of good food and drink, interesting conversation, and the company of new and longtime friends.