Membership Anniversary Celebration
By Arrington Mixon
The Membership Engagement committee hosted an event on Monday, June 11th to celebrate Women's Impact Fund members who had completed their 5th anniversary, as well as those members who had been with Women's Impact Fund for more than 10 years. The event was hosted at the home of board member Ellen Rankin, and was catered by Encore Catering, which is owned by past grantee,
Community Culinary School of Charlotte. The evening, the location, the food and the flowers were all beautiful backdrops for interesting conversation and reminiscing.
Approximately 40 members attended, including founding members Mary Lou Babb, Diane Bailey, Anne Essaye, Kay Ethridge, Susan McKeithen, Linda Foard Roberts, Jeanette Sims and Velva Woolen. Attendees left with the gift of a potted flowering Impatiens - signifying the beauty and growth of our organization.
Incoming board chair, Arrington Mixon, made introductory comments, including a reflection on grants awarded 10 years ago - and also introduced Encore Catering's Chef Lala, who successfully graduated from Community Culinary School's program 17 years ago.
Community Culinary School of Charlotte received a $55,000 grant from Women's Impact Fund in 2015 to support its Workforce Development through Culinary Arts Program, which provides culinary training and job search assistance for adults with barriers to employment. Over 50 students enroll in one of their three 14-week programs each year and - because of the quality of the classroom and on-the-job training they receive -- over 80% find and, importantly, maintain employment after the program is completed.
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