GWC 3rd Quarterly Meeting, “Back by Popular Demand: The Penguin Project”, at Church of the Resurrection, August 28, 2018

Greenwood Women Care conducted our 3rd Quarterly Meeting on Tuesday, August 28th, at the Church of the Resurrection.  Approximately 60 members and guests enjoyed a reception along with an inspirational and informative agenda.

Sara Kummer welcomed us to the Church of the Resurrection and Rhonda Merritt introduced our program speakers. (Sara and Rhonda serve on GWC’s Programs and Education Committee.) Stephen Gilbert, Executive Director of the Greenwood Community Theatre (GCT), shared with us the impetus for establishing The Penguin Project at GCT. The Penguin Project is a nationwide program that engages actors with special needs and peer mentors in a full-length theatre production.  GCT is the only site offering The Penguin Project in the state, and one of the first in this region. Stephen then introduced Lacy Gunter, the mother of last year’s youngest Penguin, who described the positive impact The Penguin Project has had on her daughter, their family, and the local special needs community.

We then turned our attention to the GWC Grants Review and Awards Committee.  Trish Hartung described the work of the Grants Committee over the past months, resulting in GWC grant guidelines, grant application form, and review and voting processes.  Laura Bachinski discussed our grant application and Nadine Gilchrist informed GWC members about materials that will assist us in our voting process in February. Mary Woodiwiss, convener of the Grants Committee, fielded questions from members.  Summer Booker, convener of the Membership Committee, concluded the program by thanking our speakers for their presentations and our members and guests for their attendance, reminding us that memberships for 2019 may be renewed between now and December 31st, and encouraging us to continue to spread the good news about GWC.