June 2018 
WGC Newsletter
Brought to you by Heritage Fund in partnership with 
First Financial Bank


Greetings fellow philanthropists and fabulous females!  
Our 2018 membership drive is underway and we need your support now more than ever.  Did you know that our ability to make grants is directly tied to membership?  The more members we have - the more projects and programs we can fund to help women, children and families in our community.  If you haven't joined the Circle yet this year - we hope that you will help us reach our goal of 200 members by September 1.  

In addition to the membership drive and preparing for the 2018 grant program, the Guiding Circle has also been listening to our members and other women in the community about the issues that you care about and how we can work together to make a positive change.  We are excited to offer an educational event in July (see below for details on A Conversation: Recognizing Inequity and Advocating for Yourself and Others) as well as some changes to the format of the Annual Meeting including an exciting keynote speaker (more details to come!).  So mark your calendars for these upcoming events (July 23 & October 29 respectively) AND don't forget to join/renew.   We are grateful for your support!    

Your 2018 Guiding Circle,

Donna Keogh, 2018 Chair
Kelly Geckler
Katie Glick
Brooke Hawkins
Amy Kaiser 
Kristin Munn, Heritage Fund Staff Support
Hillary Nolting
Emilie Pinkston

Monday, July 23rd 
5:00pm-7:00pm
Columbus Area Visitors Center

Join us as we continue the conversation about issues that impact women in the workplace and in the community. Learn to recognize discrimination in various forms and take away practical tips to better advocate for yourself and other women.

Networking will start at 5:00PM with a presentation beginning at 5:30PM.

Panelists include: Aida Ramirez, Director Columbus Human Rights Commission; Sandra Miles Ph.D., Dean of Students IUPUC; Aimee Zoeller, Director and Lecturer, Sociology Program; Coordinator, Women's Studies at IUPUC.

Register  here   
WGC 2018 Season Timeline 

May 3, 2018 Champagne & Cupcakes Reception/Season Launch 
 
Spring-Summer 2018 - Membership Drive (Goal 200 members)

July 23, 2018 - A Conversation: Recognizing Inequity &  
                         Advocating for Yourself & Others

July 2018 - Announce Grant Request for Proposals
 
July-August 2018  - Accept Grant Proposals from Nonprofits
 
September 2018  - Membership Votes on Grants to Fund
 
October 29, 2018 -  SAVE THE DATE - Annual Meeting & Grant Awards

Tobi Herron, Faurecia North America Community & Employee Involvement Director
Member Spotlight: Tobi Herron

What inspired you to join the Women's Giving Circle?
I was inspired to join the women's giving circle because it offers a unique way to support women's initiatives.  Personally, I have a passion for trying to help others be successful and support those working to make Bartholomew County a great place to live.
 
What do you think is the best thing about being a member of the Circle?
The best thing about being a member of the women's giving circle is the focus on women and the ease of which you can engage. You don't have to invest a lot of time to find worthy causes to support - they bring the options to you!
 
What causes are most important to you?
I have a variety of interests but one particular area is supporting children and those who care for them.  Raising a child is incredibly hard (I'm challenged Every. Single. Day) and it has made me a strong believer that if we can help our kids be set up for success in life, that is an investment that continues to pay dividends.     
 
Why is giving back important?
Giving back is important to me because I have been very fortunate in my life to have a personal support network, mentors, and opportunities to increase my education. Not everyone has had those same chances in life and I feel a strong desire to help those who have not been as fortunate. I believe, at a fundamental level, that everyone wants a healthy, happy life and family. And if we all work together, even in small ways, to help others have access to the support they need to do that everyone wins in the end.
 
What do you hope to gain from your WGC membership? 
With my WGC membership, I hope to continue to be inspired and continue to help women.  The WGC is an inspiration for me because it demonstrates the power people have when they come together around shared goals.

Champagne & Cupcakes
We had a great time last month at the Champagne and Cupcakes Event!  Thanks to everyone who was able to attend and help us launch the 2018 season.  We heard some inspiring words from Dr. Laura Hack, Director of Elementary Education at BCSC, as she shared success of the Girl Up! STEM project that was funded by the WGC in 2017.  We also had the opportunity to network with some fantastic local women that are passionate about improving the lives of women, children and families in our community.  Photo credit: Ali Elizabeth Photography
Membership Drive - We NEED you!
   
If you haven't already, visit our website to renew your membership or join for the first time!  

Have a special woman in your life?  You can purchase a gift membership for your mother, daughter, friend, or coworker.  

Not sure if you have renewed for 2018?  Send an email to [email protected] and we will check for you!

"I raise up my voice-not so I can shout, 
but so that those without a voice can be heard...
we cannot succeed when half of us are held back."
- Malala Yousafzai

Interested in getting more involved? Contact Kristin Munn at  [email protected]


The 2018 Women's Giving Circle Season is brought to you by Heritage Fund in partnership with First Financial Bank



Women's Giving Circle of Bartholomew County
Heritage Fund | (812) 376-7772 | [email protected] |  Website