Santa Maria Sun / News

Hobnobbing with Helen

BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

Providing leadership in women's philanthropy Raynette Cornejo (left), resource development officer for United Way, and businesswoman Lawnae Hunter (right) were instrumental in founding the Women's Fund. PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

The Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County, a collaborative female philanthropy group, held its second annual Presentation Reception from 3 to 5 p.m. on June 25 at the Santa Maria Inn.

This was North County Movers and Shakers Central. About 70 community leaders and dynamos filled the Garden Room and enjoyed a lovely spread of oh-so-tasty hors d’oeuvres, punch, and coffee before the group distributed $145,000 to selected nonprofit agencies.

It was an emotional afternoon. Each of the recipients spoke of the increased need for resources during the current
economic distress.

“We interact with almost all the community service agencies in the area,” Kerry Aller Main, who accepted a $20,000 check for the North County Food Bank, told me.

“Food comes first,” she emphasized. “You can’t tackle getting a job or fight illness if you are hungry.”

Catastrophe loses some if its edge when hunger isn’t a factor.

After the presentations Judy Markline (left) is chairperson of the Women's Fund, Bill Batty (center) is executive director of the Family Services Agency, and Joyce Howerton (right) is incoming co-chair of the fund’s Research Committee. PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

Catholic Charities Executive Director Dr. Frank Bognar accepted a check for $25,000 for Lompoc’s Food Pantry, and commented, “We have seen a startling increase in need. Requests for assistance are up 30 to 40 percent.”

Other agencies in the gift pool were Pacific Pride Foundation ($5,000), Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corp. ($25,000), Santa Ynez’s People Helping People ($15,000), Family Services Agency ($25,000) for Lompoc’s family resource center, and the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center ($30,000).

The heart of the fund’s mission is its Research Committee, chaired by the indefatigable Didi Reynoso. This coming year, she’ll share the chair with the indefatigable Joyce Howerton. Didi’s group pores over statistics, statements of purpose and mission, and comparative need, and gives the members the information they reference when voting on recipients.

United Way’s director of resource development, Raynette Cornejo, initiated the North County Women’s Fund after she had worked with the start-up of a similar group in Santa Barbara.

Raynette attributes the success of the fund’s first year to Lawnae Hunter, the first chair, whose spunk and sparkle attracted a strong membership. “When Lawnae calls, people listen,” was the buzz.

The recipients Pictured are (left to right) Lugdy Cueva, board chair of Catholic Charities; Dr. Frank Bognar, executive director of Catholic Charities of Santa Barbara County; Susan Warnston, board member of Lompoc Housing Assistance; and Sue Ehrilich, executive director of Lompoc Housing Assistance. PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

Last year, the Women’s Fund distributed $55,000. This year, thanks to a $68,000 grant from the Roy and Ida Eagle Trust, managed by Lompoc’s Sonya Schroeder, and $35,000 from the Orfalea Fund, the coffers swelled to a breathtaking $145,000.

The effervescent Judy Markline, current chairperson, has been ecstatic about the financial surge. She’d like to keep the escalation going and asked the group to be on the prowl for new members. She’ll share fund duties with Kate Ferguson in the coming year.

The Women’s Fund consists of single donors who give a minimum of $500. There are also groups of women who collectively contribute a minimum of $500. Each single donor or group gets one vote on how the funds are distributed.

Some of the collective donors have names like “Fabulous Five,” “Hancock Helpers,” “Friends of YPP,” “Luis Oasis,” “Santa Ynez Valley Originals,” and ”The Fortunate Five.”

Hats off and heartfelt thanks to someone who always wears a hat: Judy Hearn and her co-Santa Maria Inn owner Blanche Hollingsead. They underwrote the reception. Ladies, it was simply fab!

Jody Oliver, president of the board of the Rape Crisis Center, summed up the feelings of each of the recipients: “I can’t tell you how many lives are touched by this donation.”

If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.