 We had a wonderful night celebrating women, community, and Black Philanthropy Month on August 1 at the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County's Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour. The WGC is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month, which is observed every August. The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. We were welcomed by WGC Events Committee Chair Jade McClary who provided an overview of WGC's efforts supporting Black Philanthropy Month, and WGC Chair Jennifer Bodensiek who provided an overview of WGC's efforts and grantmaking. And, we heard from Beverly White-Seals, President & CEO of The Community Foundation of Howard County, who provided a challenge to the audience to support neighbors after a recent crisis. As part of our grantmaking, we announced that WGC is partnering with The Horizon Foundation to fund a report highlighting stories and wisdom from Black Women Nonprofit Leaders in Howard County. Horizon Foundation President & CEO Nikki Highsmith Vernick joined us to announce this partnership and the focus of these conversations. Learn more here. We also heard from WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Chair Paula Seabright about the growth of WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive, and WGC's Membership and Development Committee Chair Kashonna Marrow about all the ways to give to and get involved in the WGC. And, Robin Stimson, WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" Chair led our celebration of 4 female philanthropists in our community: Maureen Evans, Carla Gates, Rashida George, and Monique Washington-Jones! Carla couldn't join us in person due to travel, but take a listen to the amazing message she sent to all of us from South Africa - below. Her beautiful, meaningful words resonated with all of us, and were certainly words that Maureen, Rashida, and Monique exemplify. Congratulations to these amazing women - thank you for all you do for our community.
We have recognized over 100 women to date and encourage you to read their profiles. We have so many incredible philanthropists in our community! We also recognized former WGC Advisory Board member and former WGC "Our Giving, Our Stories" Chair Malynda Madzel, who started this wonderful effort, and was recently honored nationally for her work to lift the stories and voices of women in our community through "Our Giving, Our Stories" - learn more here. It was a warm, wonderful evening of old and new friends, original founders and new donors, all having a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone. That's the power of a giving circle ... and the excitement of the WGC. Thank you to everyone who brought feminine hygiene products to donate to our year-long WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - we'll look forward to seeing you at our next event soon! Here are some links to information discussed at the event:
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"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." - Jennifer Bodensiek, Chair
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