GWC Fall Social at Grand Harbor Clubhouse, October 14, 2019
On Monday, October 14, GWC members and guests gathered at Grand Harbor Clubhouse to celebrate the arrival of fall weather and to enjoy a few relaxing hours spent in each others’ company. Members Connie Carstens, Bev Gebicke, Lou Noel, Ann VanVoris, and Sharon Westbrook graciously hosted this GWC social event and Laura Bachinski extended a warm welcome to all. Attendees enjoyed a yummy array of appetizers and desserts provided by Members.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our Quarterly Meeting on November 4th at the Arts Center featuring recipients of our 2019 GWC Grants!
GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Back to School: Tools to Succeed”, at The United Center for Community Care, August 20, 2019
The Quarterly Meeting for Greenwood Women Care was held on August 20th at the United Center for Community Care. The delicious “back to school” refreshments and gymnasium setting certainly got GWC members in the mindset to learn more about the education programs that were presented.
Mary Woodiwiss, Co-Chair of GWC, reviewed the purpose of GWC and how contributions and membership dues are being used. As of this meeting, we are now 124 members strong!
Louise Robinson introduced the program theme of “Back to School” and Deborah Parks from the United Center for Community Care welcomed us to UCCC and briefly discussed the 8 agencies that are housed in the building.
Guest speakers for the meeting were Katie Davenport and Laura Padgett. Katie Davenport is the Executive Director of Greenwood Promise. GWC Members are encouraged to look at the Greenwood Promise website for more information about how contributions from businesses and individuals help fund college for students in Greenwood who meet the criteria.
Laura Padgett presented a video and talked about the Thrift Shop at Emerald High School that is run by transitional students to provide work hours for career focused experiences. Donations may be dropped off at the front office or Laura can be emailed.
Laura Bachinski, Co-Chair of GWC, offered closing comments about how to become a Member of GWC.
GWC donated two new children’s books to the Greenwood County Public Library in honor of our speakers, each with a GWC bookplate naming the honoree and her organization.
Our next Quarterly meeting will be Monday, November 4th at the Arts Center. The 2019 GWC Grant recipients will present information about their GWC funded projects and programs. As always, guests are welcome!
GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Getting Your Ducks in a Row”, at Hospice Store, May 13, 2019
The GWC Quarterly Meeting on May 13th, “Getting Your Ducks in A Row”, was generously hosted by The Hospice Store. Delightful spring refreshments were served and GWC Members and guests were treated to a time of socializing and shopping. The Hospice Store has something for everyone! Nancy Corley, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont, gave a very informative talk about the history and purpose of Hospice, the Hospice House, and the new Palliative Care Center. Nancy encouraged GWC Members to make advanced directive plans to designate a Healthcare Power of Attorney and to make your wishes known to her or him. The Hon. Travis Moore, Probate Judge, Greenwood County, spoke about dealing with estates, guardianship, mental illness/chemical dependency, and marriage licenses. Some of his advice was to ensure that you have a will and make determinations about your property in advance of critical health needs or end of life. Melissa Bane, Senior Private Client Advisor of Greenwood Capital, also strongly encouraged us to speak to loved ones about our wishes and to inform them of the location of original wills as well as providing them with copies of this and other essential documents. She urged Members to review beneficiaries on insurance documents and to make sure that joint property is titled with both spouses’ name. Thanks to all three speakers for sobering but very relevant information! The Meeting was attended by more than 50 of our Members and numerous guests. Those who weren’t able to attend missed out on great information! Our next GWC Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20th at the United Center for Community Care.
GWC 2019 Grant Award Recipients! March 2019
Greenwood Women Care (GWC) recently awarded grants totaling $47,625 in our first annual granting cycle! Eight local nonprofits serving residents of Greenwood County received awards ranging from $2500 to $10,000. Pictured are: (front row) Deborah Parks, Laura Stowe, Summer Booker, GWC Steering Committee members; Alison Fletcher, Mary Woodiwiss, Laura Bachinski, GWC Steering and Grants Committee members; Kathy Emily, Marilyn Murphy, Patricia Hartung, and Anne Craig, GWC Grants Committee members; (back row) Joanne Burkett, Greenwood Community Improvement Foundation-WLC; Lisa Lane, Project Hope Foundation; Kathryn Butler (Greenwood School District 50) and Claire Wieters, Beyond Abuse; Teresa Goodman, Community Initiatives; Alice Hodges, Meg’s House; Steve Coleman, MODELS Academy; Stephen Gilbert, Greenwood Community Theatre. (Not pictured: Connie Maxwell Children’s Home recipients) GWC Grants were awarded to: Beyond Abuse ~ mentoring program for 5th grade girls (through 6th grade) Community Initiatives ~ Safe Haven after school and summer programs Meg’s House ~ household supplies for 12 clients in Operation Impact program Greenwood Community Improvement Foundation ~ Leadership Scholars program for middle & high school girls Project Hope Foundation ~ training and supervision of ABA therapists serving children with autism MODELS Academy ~ program and conference costs for MODELS Academy for African-American males, grades 5-12 Greenwood Community Theatre ~ production costs, including outreach performances & The Penguin Project Connie Maxwell Children’s Home ~ furnishings for Family Care Program for single mothers and children Congratulations to our 2019 GWC Grants recipients! We are grateful for all your excellent efforts to improve the quality of our community life in Greenwood County!
GWC Annual Meeting, “Celebrating Our First Year!”, at Greenwood Genetic Center, March 26, 2019
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
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.
GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Time to Vote!”, at The Museum, February 25, 2019
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
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
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 works collaboratively with individuals and organizations that are interested in improving the quality of life in Greenwood. Through annual granting cycles the Foundation provides funding to charitable organizations located in the county.