Women's Club of Inverness Reinvests $74,945 into the Community
Exceeding last year's fundraising record, Women's Club of Inverness (WCI) celebrated the results of the 2017-18 membership year with a reinvestment into the community of $74,945.
At its May 10th meeting, the WCI membership approved the distribution of these proceeds with $32,000 in scholarships to students residing in school districts #211 and #220; $41,245 in grants to philanthropic organizations; and $1,700 in donations to Palatine Township food pantry and AppleTree efforts. What a fitting way to conclude and fulfill this year's theme: The Beauty of Grace.
The jazzy spirit of The World is our Runway. Let's JAZZ it up! created at the April 12th fashion show luncheon benefit was due to the vision of Nina Stephenson, Chair, and her two co-chairs, Sue Rogers and Leslie Roberts. This dynamic trio, along with their committee, did an outstanding job to jazz things up! The audience was entertained by Gene Garcia's group and fashions from local boutiques and designers were on the runway with a show produced by Fashions with Flair. Numerous prizes were given out from the Jazzy Combos and Tote-ally Jazzed offerings coordinated by Tina Bradbury and Regi Greene; Renata Schaad handled the raffle ticket sales effort. Two winners also took home some cash with the 50/50 chance organized by Kathy Pinkus and Meridith Randolph. This year's silent auction table built on last year's direction of more experiences under the guidance of Carol Froman and Pam Panczyk. Ladies also enjoyed the vendor shopping, arranged by Jan Steinberg and Jan Sheppard. A beautiful diamond pendant necklace was live auctioned, courtesy of Long & Co Jewelers. Reservations Chair, Karen Kallman, confirmed that this year's event set a record in recent years with close to 430 tickets sold and member attendance.
President Eileen Kohne cited this year's fundraisers, the fall event Jingle & Mingle and the recent fashion show, and member support as the key reasons that the Club was able to achieve the two-peat performance. Eileen added, "I appreciate members embracing my themes of kindness and grace, and generous with their time, talent, and resources. The result was two years of unparalleled WCI giving."
Before the meeting was adjourned, WCI installed new officers to form the 2018-19 Executive Board: Karen Spering, President; Nina Stephenson, 2nd Vice President; Deborah Armstrong, Treasurer; Fran Guziel, Recording Secretary; Jay Kist, Corresponding Secretary; and Eileen Kohne (past president), Director.
If you would like to be added to the event mailing list, or want more information on WCI, please visit www.womensclubofinverness.com.