Most people can’t just up and give $55,000 away to charities. But they might have $500—the amount requested from people interested in joining The Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County. By giving this donation, a woman can team up with more like-minded women and accomplish things she probably couldn’t do alone. With 106 members so far, the fund is continuing to become a larger ladle in the soup bowl of donors.
“The Women’s Fund responds to the community’s most urgent needs by making substantial gifts in the North County,” said Kristen Robinson, resource development assistant for Northern Santa Barbara County United Way. “Raynette Cornejo came to United Way and introduced the idea. They recruited members from there.”
Over the last year, about a dozen women met once a month—acting as an advisory committee—to create this charitable giving circle. The group reviewed materials and developed the fund’s guidelines in partnership with Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, according to a press release.
After their prosperous first year, the membership surpassed by $5,000 its original goal of $50,000. These funds were distributed at a presentation reception on July 16 at the Historic Santa Maria Inn.
Three North County agencies were pleasantly surprised with substantial gifts from the Women’s Fund. Catholic Charities received $15,000 to use for a nondenominational weekly mobile food distribution program in Santa Maria, and a monthly food distribution program
in Guadalupe and Cuyama. Another $15,000 went to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Barbara County, which plans on using the money to train volunteers. Lastly, Good Samaritan was awarded $25,000. The service plans to put to the funding to work in its P.R.E.M.I.E. program, which helps pregnant or parenting women who have drug and/or alcohol problems.
“Every member of the group votes, and they have a ballot,” Robinson said, explaining how the Women’s Fund decides where their money goes.
Don’t have $500 to give away? Women can invest smaller amounts by forming a collective group to reach the $500 membership mark. Together, they can decide how to cast their single vote.
“In the new year, we hope to raise $100,000 and, of course, recruit more members,” Robinson said.
To learn more about the Women’s Fund or inquire about membership, contact Mary Harvey (733-3496 or marvey@verizon.net) or Georgia Schrager (937-0388 or Georgia.schrager@gmail.com).
Intern Kathryn Leedom compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send items for consideration to mail@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 24-31, 2008.