Random Acts of Kindness
After a summer hiatus, Women's Club of Inverness (WCI) will launch its 2018-19 membership year on Sept. 13.
Last year the club returned a record $74,945 to the community with 16 students each receiving a $2,000 scholarship and close to $43,000 in grants and donations to philanthropic organizations. These awards were approved by members at the May 2018, meeting concluding Eileen Kohne's two-year president term.
Serving now as director, Kohne added, "It is member and community support that contributed to record WCI giving. As a 25-year Inverness resident and WCI member, it is personally rewarding to be a part of WCI's random acts of kindness in my community through the club's mission."
The 2017-18 scholars were presented at the May meeting by Education Chair, Liz McKay, and were the first to receive the increased scholarship.
Before introducing each scholarship recipient with a brief bio and inviting their family members to join for the certificate presentation, McKay advised, "Over 350 students and $400,000 has been awarded since the WCI scholarship program began some 30 years ago."
The Raisa Bratkiv Memorial Scholarship, in memory of a beloved, long-time WCI member, was bestowed upon Bianca Perez for her leadership and community values as a UIC student.
Bianca is a Hoffman Estates High School graduate and a three-year recipient of a WCI scholarship. She joined five other HEHS alumni scholars: Steffi Delgado, Yemariam Eyob, Jada Coakley, Giselle Velazquez, Edward Blanco and Humaira Alam. Other District 211 high school recipients: Jamie Chen from Fremd; Lilibeth Arreola, Ingrid Franco, Sydney Rzepka, Jaclyn Frank, and Cristina Bravo from Palatine; and Mina Mazeikis and Kira Cloonan from Schaumburg. Harper student, Yesela Chavez was awarded a scholarship to continue her law enforcement studies.
Students residing in Districts 211 and 220 are eligible to apply for a WCI scholarship for post-secondary studies; application information is sent to the schools and posted on the WCI website.
WCI was formed in the 1960s as a way for local women to get acquainted; however, the Club quickly became community-focused and philanthropic, expanding its membership beyond the Inverness borders. WCI members represent many suburban communities, including Inverness, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Lake Barrington, Deer Park, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates to name only a few. The club meets on the second Thursday of the month, September-May, except for November, January, and April. Fundraisers are held in November and April.
Starting her first year as president, Schaumburg resident Karen Spering remarked, "I look forward to another banner year of philanthropic giving as I challenge our membership to make a difference in both their lives and the lives of the less fortunate in our communities. I welcome prospective and current members to share in our mission through our 2 fundraisers and community outreach."
Spering is also chairing the 2018 fall event, "Memories of Christmas Past," with Palatine resident Cheryl Trzupek. A stroll down memory lane of Christmas traditions is the theme weaved through the daytime luncheon event on Friday, Nov. 16, at Meridian Banquet & Conference Center in Rolling Meadows. Tickets are $65. To receive event information, email wci.event.information@gmail.com.
Women's Club of Inverness is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the needs of women, children, families and seniors in Inverness and its surrounding communities in Illinois. For more information on how you can become a member or join WCI efforts as a supporter or sponsor, please visit www.womensclubofinverness.com.