MENU

Sections

More

June 9, 2023

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

News News Notes

Women & Girls Fund to Distribute $57,221 at Grant Awards Luncheon on April 24

by Leave a Comment

Share

Jo Ann Asparagus Murray, Esq., retired Family Law Magistrate of the Circuit Court for Caroline County

Representatives from seventeen Mid-Shore non-profits will be accepting checks totaling $57,221 at the Women & Girls Fund’s Grants & Awards Luncheon on April 24.  That will bring the Fund’s overall grant total to $839,523, awarded to 110 organizations whose programs benefit women and girls in one or more of the five Mid-Shore counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot.

The grants will be presented to 5 new organizations and 12 non-profits that have been awarded Women & Girls Fund grants in the past.  New this year are: Benedictine School for Exceptional Children; Foundation of H.O.P.E.; One Mission; Open Doors Partners in Education; and Radcliffe Creek School.

In addition to bestowing the grant checks at the luncheon, the Fund will present its two annual awards to the 2023 recipients as well as those who missed their moment in the spotlight during the three years the luncheon was not held due to the pandemic.

The Women & Girls Fund Award for 2023 will be presented to Jo Ann Asparagus Murray, Esq., of McDaniel. Jo Ann has lived a life of service,and has continually found new ways to benefit our community. With a combination of her legal and social work degrees she has succeeded in revamping the way families are treated in the court system. She was the first Domestic Relations Master in Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties, and the Family Law Magistrate in Caroline County.  A lifelong volunteer, she has supported and has served on boards for many organizations including the NAACP, Talbot County Board of Education, Habitat for Humanity, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, and Kappa Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  Her dedication to protecting the rights of women and girls, and her leadership, integrity, and compassion are the hallmarks of this annual award.

Deborah Vornbrock Hudson, Executive Director, Martin’s House & Barn

The 2023 recipient of the Sheryl V. Kerr Award is Deborah Hudson Vornbrock, of Stevensville, executive director of Martin’s House & Barn.  Her community development career has focused on raising funds to provide care for the elderly and infirm, support the health of women and families, and, in her current position at Martin’s House & Barn (formerly St. Martin’s Ministries), she has strategically addressed increasing access to services and program delivery around trauma informed care.  Deborah epitomizes the Sheryl V. Kerr Award in every respect having excelled in her field with vision, integrity, and respect for others, coupled with her devotion, which has empowered countless at-risk individuals.

The Women & Girls Fund Award recipients in 2020, 2021, and 2022 were Carlene Wilson, Julie Lowe, and Chrissy Aull, respectively.

The Sheryl V. Kerr Award recipients in 2020, 2021, and 2022 were Peggy and John Ford, Leslie Bishop, and Beth Brewster, respectively.

“All of our award recipients are tireless advocates for Mid-Shore women and girls. Their lifelong dedication and fruitful effort deserve to be commended. Our grant recipients address a wide variety of critical needs facing women and girls in our community.  We are proud to be able to support their good and necessary work,” said Karen M. Kaludis, president of the Women & Girls Fund Board of Directors.

The Grants & Awards Luncheon will be held on Monday, April 24, 11:30am, at The Tidewater Inn Gold Room in Easton.  Ticket price is $60 and the event is open to the public.  Registration deadline is April 12.  To make a reservation or for more information, call 410-770-8347, email info@womenandgirlsfund.org or visit www.womenandgirlsfund.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Women & Girls Celebrates 20th Anniversary

by 1 Comment

Share

On Tuesday, January 17th, Alice Ryan, founder of the Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore, hosted a lunch at the Tidewater Inn to celebrate 20 years of philanthropy, to honor and thank the women who have given of themselves to help enrich the lives of women and girls throughout the Mid-Shore, and to look ahead to the next 20 years.

The event was attended by 26 of 48 past and present board members. Ryan thanked all of the women who have graciously given of their time and talents to help build the Women &Girls Fund into what it is today. Ryan spoke about “the power of pooled resources to improve the lives of women and girls on the Mid-Shore”, and said “each board member brought significant skills to the board and contributed to the organization’s ongoing success.”

With Alice Ryan, Founder of the Women & Girls Fund, seated center in blue and white, past and present board members gathered at the Tidewater Inn to celebrate the Fund’s 20th Anniversary.

Over the past 20 years, the Women & Girls Fund, a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, has built an endowment fund of $1.6 million and awarded grants totaling more than $782,000 to 105 non-profits in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. The Fund works tirelessly to support organizations on the Mid-Shore that care for, educate, and advance local women and girls, and to make a difference in their lives and help them have a better future.

In attendance were four of the eight founding members: Bettie Baer, Pemmy Noble, Alice Ryan, and Meg van den Berg.  The other founding members, Fran Parker, Kearby Parker, Emilie Robinson, and Carolyn Thornton, were unable to attend.

Board President Karen Kaludis thanked Ryan for her remarkable vision and gift to the community in establishing the organization, which presents its grants at an event every April.  She stated, “The Women & Girls Fund Annual Grants & Awards Luncheon brings together an extraordinary group of supporters and those we support through our grant programs.  It celebrates the importance of improving the lives of women and girls every day on the Mid-Shore,” and added, “We are excited to gather this year together after three years. COVID-19 made it impossible over the last three years, but this year we are thrilled that we can celebrate and honor so many worthwhile non-profits helping women and girls live better lives.”

The Grants & Awards Luncheon will be held Monday, April 24th in the Gold Room of the Tidewater Inn.  The event is open to the public.  Details are forthcoming and will be posted on the Fund’s website www.womenandgirlsfund.org.  For more information about the luncheon and the Women & Girls Fund, call 410-770-8347 or email info@womenandgirlsfund.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Women & Girls Fund Grant Applications Due by November 1

by Leave a Comment

Share

The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore, a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, is now accepting grant proposals from IRS-designated non-profit organizations for programs addressing the needs of local women and girls.  Completed applications must be received by Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Grant recipients will be announced in April 2023.

This year, for the first time, organizations have a choice of submitting the standard paper application or using a new online application – same questions, new format.  “The online application is very easy and straightforward,” said Allie Prell, Women & Girls Fund board member and Grants Committee co-chair.  “We’re so excited to offer applicants this new option that will simplify the process and make it even easier to apply for grants!”

Since 2002, more than $782,000 has been awarded to 105 non-profit organizations in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties.  In 2022, 12 grants totaling $50,432 were given for a wide variety of programs such as: Aaron’s Place “Mommy and Me”; For All Seasons “Calming Corner Therapy Kits”; Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s “Social-Emotional Learning Project”; Minorities in Aquaculture “Internship Program for High School and College Women of Color”; and Talbot Community Connections “Talbot Children’s Advocacy Center”.

“Programs offered by our grant recipients serve a variety of needs– from food scarcity and shelter to youth education and senior services,” said Kathy Deoudes, board president.  “We encourage applications for innovative programs that target critical needs facing women and girls.  No organization should be reluctant to apply,” she continued.

Grant guidelines and applications are available at www.womenandgirlsfund.org. For further information, call 410-770-8347 or e-mail info@womenandgirlsfund.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Women & Girls Fund of Mid-Shore Marks 20th Anniversary

by Leave a Comment

Share

The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore celebrates its 20th year using the power of pooled resources to support local nonprofit initiatives that benefit women and girls.

In 2002, Alice Ryan of Easton set out to create a fund to support the many local efforts to benefit women and girls. She brought together seven female friends from different parts of her life, and together, they established an endowment fund at the Mid-Shore Community Foundation to address the needs of women and girls in the region. Today, 20 years later, the Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore is one of our region’s most respected philanthropic institutions.

In the first year, Ryan’s friends raised enough funds to offer just under $13,000 to four different groups. Twenty years later, the organization funded 12 nonprofits a total of $50,432 this spring. In all, the Fund has granted $782,302 to 105 different nonprofit organizations. The Fund’s reach extends from innovative childcare solutions for working mothers, to outdoor environmental education for teen girls, to special comfort kits for rape and sexual assault victims. The Fund supports nonprofit initiatives in any of the five Mid-Shore counties – Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Kent and Talbot.

Over 400 local women have participated as volunteers in the Fund’s activities over the years. That work ranges from reading grant applications, making site visits and vetting projects, to coordinating, organizing and running special events. Donors to the Fund are encouraged to participate in grant reading to learn more about local nonprofits and their work.

This year, the Fund’s endowment reached over $1,000,000. This mark is notable as that amount generally earns about $50,000 each year that can be distributed to nonprofits in the community while preserving the Fund’s legacy for generations of women and girls to come.

The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore is known for supporting smaller organizations that often don’t have a lot of funding options, ones for whom a $3,000 – $5,000 grant can make a powerful impact. Sometimes these are new organizations, just getting off the ground, or established groups launching new initiatives for at-risk females. Often Fund Board members connect one-on-one with local groups to help identify best management practices and strategize on other funding options. The relationships between the Fund’s donors and local nonprofit leaders grow each time the Fund puts on a new event or reaches out into the community.

Since 2003, the Fund has held an annual luncheon for 200-250 donors, supporters, and grantees. It is an annual draw for many who see it as a joyful celebration of what’s right about the region, celebrating successes of local women and girls and the nonprofits that support them.The group presents annual grants as well as two significant cash awards each year, one honoring the late Sheryl V. Kerr who had a philanthropic mission to empower women, and a ‘Women & Girls Award’ for someone whose work in the community represents the mission and values of the Fund. The women receiving these honors over the years represent leaders from every facet of the communities of the five counties of the Mid-Shore. Covid unfortunately cut into the Fund’s annual celebrations since 2020, but the group plans to return to its annual celebratory luncheon tradition next year.

The Fund raises money through annual giving campaigns, an annual golf tournament, and special events. All donors are valued as much as any other – the core value of the group is that every donation, no matter the size, contributes to the larger good of the community when pooled together with others. Donors are encouraged to “Honor Someone Special” throughout the year with a special gift to the Fund.

Teaching and creating the next generation of philanthropists is part of the Fund’s mission, and in 2015 the group established the “Daisy Fund” to encourage learning about philanthropy. With a $10,000 pledge, anyone can establish an account for a younger person. The “Daisies” use the funds earned by their endowment accounts to give extra support to initiatives selected for grants each year. These gifts are carefully selected by the younger generation fund holders as they learn about philanthropic giving by doing it themselves.

Over the years, the Fund has sponsored educational programs, speakers, panel discussions, exhibits, and outreach events. For its 20th anniversary, among other activities, the Women & Girls Fund, with support from the Ellie Spurry Christ and Margaret Ferree Funds, is partnering with UM Shore Regional Health on a Mammography Initiative to provide screening mammograms to local women with financial need.

Given the success of the first 20 years of stewardship of the Women & Girls Fund, the Mid-Shore can expect to see annual grants and awards marking accomplishments for women and girls throughout the region for decades into the future. More information about the Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore can be found at www.womenandgirlsfund.org, where one can make a donation or view videos of the Fund’s work and its current video series in partnership with the Talbot Spy highlighting the 20th anniversary, called “Women and Girls Fund: 20 Years of Success.”

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Chrissy Aull and Beth Brewster Receive 2022 Women & Girls Fund Annual Awards

by Leave a Comment

Share

Chrissy Aull, Founder and Head of School (Retired), Wye River Upper School, is the recipient of the 2022 Women & Girls Fund Award.

The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore has announced Chrissy Aull, of Queenstown, and Beth Brewster, of Denton, are the 2022 recipients of the Women & Girls Fund and Sheryl V. Kerr Awards, respectively.

“Our annual awards are special because they shine a spotlight on individuals, often unsung heroes, who are making a difference in our communities.  We want the recipients to know their inspiring work, either personal or professional, is recognized, valued, and improving the lives of Mid-Shore women and girls,” said Kathy Deoudes, president of the Women & Girls Fund Board of Directors.

Chrissy Aull received the 2022 Women & Girls Fund Award for her efforts in co-founding the Wye River Upper School (WRUS) to educate bright high school students with learning differences.  Based on a shared personal need for an appropriate high school experience for their young adult sons, she and co-founder Patricia McGlannan, of Tilghman, opened the school in 2002 with nine students, three teachers, and two staff members on the campus of Chesapeake College.

Establishing the school was not without challenges, and Beth Spurry, former WRUS board member and current Women & Girls Fund board member, recalled, “At every point in the founding and development of WRUS, when it appeared there was ‘no way this will work’, Chrissy did impossible things through her positive attitude and compassion.  She never took no for an answer.  It’s a remarkable story and look where the school is now!”

Wye River Upper School grew to 57 students from as many as nine Maryland counties and Delaware while Mrs. Aull’s served as Founding Head of School from 2002 until her retirement in 2020.  The school offers a wide range of curricular options, including an impressive digital and mechanical tools space, and extra-curricular offerings including interscholastic sports, theatre, and off-campus experiential learning.

In 2010 the school purchased the Centreville Maryland National Guard Armory as its permanent campus.  Mrs. Aull led a successful capital campaign to raise over $5 million dollars to complete a total renovation of the historic structure.  During her tenure, the school awarded an average of $150,000 annual financial aid to enable deserving students to attend.

The Women & Girls Fund Award was established by the board in 2004 to recognize a community member who, through their body of professional work or volunteer experience, exemplifies the Fund’s mission.  The shared traits among recipients are vision, integrity, compassion, and generosity of time and talent, which demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of women, girls, and families.  This award is publicized in all five counties, and nominations are accepted from the public.

Previous recipients of the award are the following women of distinction:  Lois S. Duffey, Harriet S. Critchlow, Sandra W. King, Maria Boria, M.D., Sr. Patricia Gamgort, OSB, Tracy Davenport, Sandra Redd, Sara Jane Davidson, The Hon. Karen Murphy Jensen, Kathleen Francis, Maureen Jacobs, Janet Pfeffer, Joy Price, Nancy Wilson, Mary Lou McAllister, Diana Mautz, Kathy Weaver, Ellen Rajacich, Susan Stockman, Krista Pettit, Carlene Wilson, and Julie Lowe.

Beth Brewster, Founder of the Chesapeake Culinary Center and Director of Food Services for Caroline County Public Schools, received the 2022 Grayce B. Kerr Award.

Beth Brewster received the 2022 Sheryl V. Kerr Award for her accomplishments as the driving force at the Chesapeake Culinary Center (CCC) in Denton, which she founded in 2005. The center’s focus is on job training, youth education, and economic development in Caroline County, critical issues in the area Mrs. Brewster recognized needed to be addressed.

In partnership with the Caroline County Public Schools, Town of Denton, Caroline County Government, and other organizations, CCC undertook the rehabilitation of the original Caroline County high school building, built in 1901.

The old building has been retrofitted with classrooms, training kitchens, and a retail store featuring local products.  The building lends itself to be a community kitchen incubator for farmers to create added value products and promote small food-based businesses entrepreneurship.  It also houses the Caroline Career and Technology Center’s culinary arts class allowing high school students to gain a job skill as well as a variety of community programs.

For many years, Mrs. Brewster has offered “The Dinner Party”, an after-school program for at-risk students, and “Cooking Matters”, a program to teach lower income families how to cook and shop on a budget.  She leads “Farm to Freezer”, an in-house project capable of preserving up 20,000 pounds of local produce to serve all year.

Caroline Curbside Market is CCC’s newest project.  A specially outfitted van – “Sho Go Mobile” – follows a busy weekday schedule traveling to food scarce areas of Caroline County to bring residents with mostly local fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat at deeply discounted prices.

Mrs. Brewster’s tireless efforts at CCC – in addition to her “day job” as Caroline County Public School’s Supervisor of Food Services – have earned her town, county, state, and national awards.  She is legendary for her vision and innovation.  Says Women & Girls Fund board member, Kathy Bosin, “Beth is one of the brightest stars on Delmarva.”

Established in 2015 with a grant from the Grayce B. Kerr Fund, the Sheryl V. Kerr Award can be given to an individual or organization.  Recipients are identified and selected through an internal board review process that recognizes exceptional community outreach or work that aligns with strategic goals of the Women & Girls Fund.  The late Shery Kerr, a philanthropist and vice-president of the Grayce B. Kerr Fund, was a proponent of women empowering women, which is hallmark of the Sheryl V. Kerr Award.

Previous distinguished recipients of the award are Maria D’Arcy, Estela Ramirez, Cheryl Hughes, Robbin Hill, Debbye Jackson, Peggy and John Ford, and Leslie Bishop.

For further information or to download a 2023 Women & Girls Fund Award nomination form, visit www.womenandgirlsfund.org or call 410-770-8347.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Women & Girls Fund Announces this Year’s Grants for Programs Benefitting Area Women and Girls

by

Share

The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore has announced its list of recipients for the 2022 grant cycle.  Twelve local non-profit organizations received awards totaling $50,432 for programs addressing critical needs facing women and girls in the five Mid-Shore counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot.

The grants went to 3 new applicants and 9 non-profits that have been awarded Women & Girls Fund grants at least once before.

First-time grant recipients are Aaron’s Place, Minorities in Aquaculture, and Talbot Hospice.

Repeat recipients are CASA of Caroline, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, Compass Regional Hospice, For All Seasons, Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, Haven Ministries, Kent Attainable Housing, Talbot Community Connections, and Tilghman Area Youth Association.

To help select grants, the Fund’s board recruits two dozen volunteer grant readers who work in teams for three months to review each application.  Using their reports and recommendations, the Board of Directors makes the final award decisions.

“The grant reading process is one of my favorite things we do as an organization”, said Allie Prell, who co-chairs the Grants Committee with board member, Beth Spurry.  “It allows our volunteers to learn about organizations in our communities, be part of what we do, and see first-hand how the process works,” she added.

“This was our second year of adjusting to Covid, and though it is very different from our usual in-person meetings with applicants, the reading groups have been able to accomplish a great deal via zoom and phone conferences,” Mrs. Prell continued. “Thanks to their efforts, the Board can do the work of connecting donor dollars with the organizations whose programs match our mission.”

This year’s grant recipients will reach children, teens, and adults through a broad range of programs on issues addressing such things as life skills development, academic enrichment, specialized mental health counseling, first-time homeownership, and end-of-life care.

Aaron’s Place is a well-established human services outreach organization in Caroline County.  Services include food distribution, GED and ESL classes, rental and utility assistance, and senior care.  This grant will support the “Mommy and Me” program that seeks to prepare young women to be mothers and teaches young girls grooming skills while building self-esteem.  New mothers come for free baby supplies and stay for the assortment of classes that will help them learn to care properly for themselves and their babies.

Minorities in Aquaculture, founded in 2020, seeks to address the lack of diversity and inclusion in the male-dominated aquaculture industry.  It bridges the gap between minorities and sustainable seafood by creating a supportive space for professional growth while actively changing the current demographics in aquaculture. Through academic and industry partnerships, MIA will identify girls and young women interested in science, primarily sustainable aquaculture, and offer paid internships with partner aquaculture organizations to eliminate any financial barriers that might impede their academic or professional progress.  This grant will provide support for internships.

Talbot Hospice is a fully licensed medical hospice that offers comprehensive care in homes, nursing facilities, at Hospice House (the only residential program in Talbot County), and partners with the local hospital to serve hospice patients who cannot leave the acute care setting.  In operation since 1981, it now has 75 staff and 175 volunteers, who in 2020-21 made more than 4,500 visits in homes and facilities to provide hospice care and daily living tasks.  Recently, more than half of the patients at Hospice House were women and 61% of them received free or subsidized room and board through the Community Supported Care program.  This grant will help cover the cost of meals and personal care items, often not fully paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, for women who need the Hospice House to pass in a dignified and peaceful way.

Now in its 20th year of awarding grants, The Women & Girls Fund has given more than $782,000 to 105 unique non-profits in the Mid-Shore region.  Its mission is to support under-funded programs and initiatives that aid women and girls, raise awareness of community needs, and advance women’s philanthropy in the region.  A component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, the Fund has built a growing permanent endowment of more than $1.2 million dollars with donations from individuals and businesses around the Mid-Shore.

“The Women & Girls Fund is so grateful to all our donors who have enabled us to support these wonderful organizations over the past 20 years, and who continue to support our mission in the community. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our grantees that continue to work tirelessly to improve and enhance the lives of women and girls in our communities”, said Women & Girls Fund Board President, Kathy Deoudes.

IRS-designated non-profit organizations in the Mid-Shore whose programs specifically target the needs of women and girls are encouraged to apply for a grant.  Grant applications for the 2023 grant cycle are due by November 1, 2022.  Guidelines and a downloadable application form are available at https://womenandgirlsfund.org/grant-guidelines.

For more information, call 410-770-8347, email info@womenandgirlsfund.org or visit www.womenandgirlsfund.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore Seeks Nominations for Annual Award

by

Share

The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-Shore is accepting nominations for its annual Women & Girls Fund Award.  Established in 2004, the award honors a community member from Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, or Talbot counties who has made outstanding professional or personal contributions towards addressing the needs of local women and girls.

Candidates for this award should have demonstrated leadership, vision, integrity, compassion, cooperation and generosity of time and talent in their efforts to improve the lives and opportunities of women and girls.

The 2020 Women & Girls Fund Award went to Carlene Wilson of Kent County for her initiative and leadership in providing meals to more than 20 food-insecure children in a low-income apartment complex in Fairlee, seven miles from the nearest town, convenience story or food pantry.

Kathy Deoudes, Women & Girls Fund board president, said of Carlene, “She is a ‘mother hen’ to these children.  She knows their food likes and dislikes and engages them in setting up and cleaning up after meals. Due to her efforts, there are 20-plus children in our community each day that are not going hungry.”

The late Lois Duffy of Centreville and Chestertown was the first recipient.  In succeeding years, the Women & Girls Fund has honored: the late Harriet Critchlow; Sandra King; Dr. Maria Boria; Sister Patricia Gamgort, OSB; Tracy Davenport; Sandra Redd; Sara Jane Davidson; The Hon. Karen Murphy Jensen; the 5 founders of For All Seasons Behavioral Health and Rape Crisis Center; Mary Lou McAllister; Diana Mautz; Kathy Weaver; Susan Stockman; and Krista Pettit.

Application deadline is January 31st.  Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.womenandgirlsfund.org.  For further information, call 410-770-8347.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Women & Girls Fund’s 7th Annual Golf Day September 11

by

Share

Women golfers—from beginners to veterans—are invited to pick up tips, enjoy lunch and play in a 9-hole tournament at the Women & Girls Fund’s 7th Annual Golf Day at the Talbot Country Club on Tuesday, September 11.

The Women & Girls Fund will use proceeds from the popular event to support its annual grant-making efforts for the benefit of non-profit organizations whose programs serve women, girls, and families in the five Mid-Shore counties. Since 2003, the Fund’s grants have totaled $553,018 in support of programs at 84 local non-profit organizations.

“This tournament, in particular, brings a great group of women together that are diverse in their golf experiences. They have a common goal to support women and girls on the Mid- Shore, and it makes for a really amazing event!” said Talli Oxnam, Women & Girls Fund board president.

During the morning clinics, Head Golf Professional Marc Kimminau and his assistant pros at Talbot Country Club will offer tips and techniques for putting, chipping, driving, and getting out of sand traps. A highlight of the clinic is an informative presentation on the rules of the game given by rules expert Joan Heiss.

“Thanks to Marc Kimminau and his staff, our clinics and tournaments have raised over $45,000 over the past six years. It’s great to see so many old and new faces each year,” said Alice Ryan, Women & Girls Fund founder and tournament chair. She added, “Please join us this year for a terrific day.”

After lunch, the women will break into foursomes for a 9-hole “scramble” where all players will hit from their foursome’s “best ball” position, from tee to green. That way, even novices have a chance to contribute to the team’s cumulative low score.

“I look forward all year long to the Women & Girls Fund Golf Day as it’s such a well planned event and a highlight of our calendar. Participants, sponsors, and volunteers help raise much needed funds to support, educate, and empower women and girls on the Mid-Shore,” said Emily Sparks, board member and avid golfer. “The 9-hole scramble format is a great way for both novices and skilled golfers to enjoy an afternoon on the beautiful Talbot Country Club golf course, all for a wonderful cause.”

The fee for the full day, including the clinic, luncheon, golf cart, and 9 holes of golf, is $150. The cost of lunch, a cart, and the 9-hole tournament is $100.

For further information and to sign up for the “Golf Day,” call 410-770-8347, e-mail info@womenandgirlsfund.org, or go to www.womenandgirlsfund.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Women & Girls Fund Grant Applications Due by November 1

by

Share

The Women & Girls Fund of the Mid-­‐Shore, a field-­‐of-­‐interest endowment with the Mid-­‐Shore Community Foundation, is now accepting grant proposals from IRS-­‐designated non-­‐profit organizations for programs addressing the needs of women and girls throughout the five-­‐county region. Completed applications are due in the Fund’s office by November 1, 2017. Grant recipients will be announced at the Fund’s annual spring luncheon in April 2018.

This year, the Fund plans to focus on the opioid epidemic plaguing the Mid-­‐ Shore. Qualified organizations whose programs relate to substance abuse issues at every level as they affect women and girls are encouraged to apply for a grant.

Since its founding in 2002, the Women & Girls Fund has awarded more than $507,000 to 82 non-­‐profit organizations in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. The grant application and detailed guidelines are available at www.womenandgirlsfund.org. For information, call the office at 410-­‐770-­‐8347.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Women & Girls Fund’s 15th Annual Grants & Awards Luncheon

by

Share

Representatives from sixteen Mid-Shore non-profits will accept checks totaling $43,259 at the Women & Girls Fund’s 15th Annual Grants & Awards Luncheon on April 24. That will bring the Fund’s overall grant total to $507,021.51, awarded to 82 organizations whose programs benefit women and girls in one or more of the five Mid-Shore counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot.

The grants will go to 2 new applicants and 14 non-profits that have been awarded Women & Girls Fund grants at least once before.

New this year are Compass Regional Hospice and Rising Above Disease (RAD). Repeat recipients are Chesapeake College Foundation, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, Destined to Rise, Echo Hill Outdoor Leadership School, For All Seasons, Horizons Kent and Queen Anne’s, Imagination Library of Talbot County, Ladies of Nia, Partners in Care, Rebuilding Together – Caroline County, Rebuilding Together – Kent County, Talbot Mentors, Talbot Partnership for Alcohol and Drug Awareness, and Tilghman Area Youth Association.

“The programs offered by our grant recipients address serious, wide-ranging needs facing women and girls, from the oldest to the youngest”, said Emily Lynn, board member and Grants Committee co-chair along with Beth Spurry and Susan Wilford. “From literacy and education to emergency services to social engagement and critical home repairs, they have the potential to make significant differences in our community and we are proud to be able to support their efforts.”

In addition to handing out grant checks at the luncheon, the Fund will present two annual awards. The “Women & Girls Fund Award” for 2017 will be presented to Ellen Rajacich of Easton. Since 1959, Mrs. Rajacich has been a tireless volunteer fitness instructor at the YMCA of the Chesapeake. Always with a smile on her face, she has taught several generations of women – and more than a few men – to get fit, whether on an exercise mat or in the swimming pool. Her dedication, integrity, compassion, and generosity of time and talent demonstrate her commitment to improving the lives and opportunities for women, girls, and families, the hallmark of this annual award.

Previous recipients of this award are the following women of distinction: the late Lois S. Duffey, Harriet S. Critchlow, Sandra W. King, Maria Boria, M.D., Sister Patricia Gamgort, OSB, Tracy Davenport, Sandra Redd, Sara Jane Davidson, The Hon. Karen Murphy Jensen, Kathleen Francis, Maureen Jacobs, Janet Pfeffer, Joy Price, Nancy Wilson, Mary Lou McAllister, Diana Mautz, and Kathy Weaver.

The 2017 recipient of the Sheryl V. Kerr Award is Cheryl Hughes of Hurlock, founder of “Saving Second Base”, an annual breast cancer fundraiser in Cambridge. With the intention of doing something to support friends with breast cancer diagnoses, Mrs. Hughes put her determination and long list of friends to work and created a hugely popular and successful fundraiser. Since 2011, the one-day event has raised more than $150,000 for local breast cancer-related agencies. Her efforts exemplify our mission – the “power of pooled resources” – in working together to improve the lives of women and children in our community.

Previous recipients of the Sheryl V. Kerr Award are Maria D’Arcy and Estela Ramirez.

“The Women & Girls Fund Annual Grants & Awards Luncheon brings together an extraordinary group of supporters and those we support through our grant programs. It celebrates the importance of improving the lives of women and girls every day on the MidShore. We are excited each year to showcase those organizations and community leaders that truly make a difference!,” said board president Talli Oxnam.

The Women & Girls Fund Spring Luncheon will be held on Monday, April 24, 11:30am, at The Milestone in Easton. Ticket price is $50 and the event is open to the public. Reservation deadline is April 14. For more information about the luncheon and the Women & Girls Fund, call 410-770-8347, email info@womenandgirlsfund.org or visit www.womenandgirlsfund.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.