“A Salsa Social” at The Venezuelan Spot, January 28, 2020

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It’s official! January 28th will go down in history as one of the most entertaining Tuesday nights ever enjoyed in Greenwood, SC. A good number of GWC Members and guests showed up ready to have a good time at our “Salsa Social” at The Venezuelan Spot.

We savored a delicious Venezuelan dinner enhanced with refreshing homemade sangria and finished with tres leches cake. Thankfully, we were given an opportunity to burn off those calories with an easy-to-follow Salsa line dance lesson. Even those of us with two left feet could follow those moves!

Special thanks to Jose Hernandez of The Venezuelan Spot and Niria Abadia of Buenavista Cuban Cafe for hosting us and teaching us great dance moves, and to Marisel Losa, Laura Bachinski, Louise Watkins, and the rest of our Social Committee for providing us with such a fun night!

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GWC 2019 Highlights, December 2019

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GWC Highlights 2019

January 8, 2019   “Shake off the Winter Blues” GWC Social, held at Wild Hare Productions Theatre, including

“Scenes from Shakespeare” performed by Wild Hare’s Youth Shakespeare actors

February 19, 2019   New 2019 Members’ gathering, hosted by Steering and Membership Committee

Members to welcome 26 new members

February 25, 2019   1st GWC Quarterly Meeting, held at The Museum; Reception, followed by presentations

from GWC Committees and an outline of the voting process for our very first GWC Grant

Awards

March 12, 2019   GWC Presentation, “LearnŸ GiveŸ Grow- Women Building Community Through Collective

Grantmaking” at Together SC’s Annual Summit, “Building Bridges” by Trentsie Williams and

Mary Woodiwiss, GWC Steering Committee Members

March 26, 2019   1st GWC Annual Meeting, held at Greenwood Genetic Center; Reception, followed by

confirmation of slate of GWC Officers and Steering Committee, annual highlights, and

celebration of our first GWC Grant Awards, totaling $47,625!

March – November 2019   GWC presentations to community groups to spread the word about GWC

May 13, 2019   2nd GWC Quarterly Meeting, held at Hospice Store; Reception, followed by our program

“Getting Your Ducks in a Row” featuring presentations by: Nancy Corley (CEO, Hospice and

Palliative Care of the Piedmont), the Hon. Travis Moore (Judge, Greenwood County Probate

Court) and Melissa Bane (Senior Client Private Advisor, Greenwood Capital)

July – November 2019   Informal home gatherings hosted by GWC Members and GWC presentations to other

community groups to introduce GWC to community women

July 2019    GWC Membership reached 123!

August 20, 2019   3rd GWC Quarterly Meeting, held at the United Center for Community Care; Reception,

followed by our program “Back to School: Tools to Succeed” featuring presentations by:

Katie Davenport (Executive Director, The Greenwood Promise) and Laura Padgett (Emerald

High School Transition teacher and Emerald High School Thrift Shop)

October 14, 2019   “GWC Fall Social”, at Grand Harbor Clubhouse

November 4, 2019   4th GWC Quarterly Meeting, at The Arts Center; Reception, followed by our program

                                   “Celebrating Community Impact” featuring our eight 2019 GWC Grant recipients

 

GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Celebrating Community Impact”, at The Arts Center, November 4, 2019

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On Monday, November 4th, Greenwood Women Care met at The Arts Center for our Quarterly Meeting, “Celebrating Community Impact”. After a social time in the gallery with delicious treats and beverages arranged by the Social Committee, we moved to the Arts Center’s reception hall for the program. Laura Bachinski, GWC Co-Chair, welcomed approximately 90 Members and guests. Anne Craig, Executive Director of The Arts Center and GWC Charter Member, was our venue host for the evening. She spoke of the importance of supporting the arts in our community and the Arts Center’s role in Greenwood’s vibrant arts offerings. Mary Woodiwiss, GWC Co-Chair, recognized Kelly Buckshorn, Social Committee Chair, for her contributions over the past two years. Kelly was given a rousing ovation and presented with flowers and wine.

Self Regional Healthcare sponsored the audio-visual portion of the evening and was represented by Dr. Kathleen Jeffery, Medical Director of Breast Services. Dr. Jeffery spoke about the new 3-D Mammography capability at the SRH Imaging Center and emphasized that SRH’s is the only center in the Upstate with a high-risk breast care component.

GWC’s Grants Review & Awards Committee presented our program, “Celebrating Community Impact”. Our 2019 Grant recipients were welcomed by Trentsie Williams, GWC Grants Co-Chair, and given delightful handcrafted GWC cookies from Sweet Indulgence. Rossie Corwon, Grants Committee member, introduced the premiere of Impact!, our GWC video featuring 2019 grantees, each speaking about their organization’s mission and project funded by their GWC Grant. They are: Beyond Abuse, Community Initiatives, Meg’s House, Greenwood Community Improvement Foundation (for Women’s Leadership Council), Project Hope Foundation, Models Academy, Greenwood Community Theatre, and Connie Maxwell Children’s Home. Mary Woodiwiss closed our program by inviting Members and guests to speak with our grantees at information tables in the gallery of The Arts Center. Everyone left feeling enlightened and inspired!

GWC Fall Social at Grand Harbor Clubhouse, October 14, 2019

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On Monday, October 14, GWC members and guests gathered at Grand Harbor Clubhouse to celebrate the arrival of fall weather and to enjoy a few relaxing hours spent in each others’ company.  Members Connie Carstens, Bev Gebicke, Lou Noel, Ann VanVoris, and Sharon Westbrook graciously hosted this GWC social event and Laura Bachinski extended a warm welcome to all. Attendees enjoyed a yummy array of appetizers and desserts provided by Members.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our Quarterly Meeting on November 4th at the Arts Center featuring recipients of our 2019 GWC Grants!

GWC book contributions to the Greenwood County Public Library in honor of our speakers

GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Back to School: Tools to Succeed”, at The United Center for Community Care, August 20, 2019

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The Quarterly Meeting for Greenwood Women Care was held on August 20th at the United Center for Community Care.  The delicious “back to school” refreshments and gymnasium setting certainly got GWC members in the mindset to learn more about the education programs that were presented.

Mary Woodiwiss, Co-Chair of GWC, reviewed the purpose of GWC and how contributions and membership dues are being used.  As of this meeting, we are now 124 members strong!

Louise Robinson introduced the program theme of “Back to School” and Deborah Parks from the United Center for Community Care welcomed us to UCCC and briefly discussed the 8 agencies that are housed in the building.

Guest speakers for the meeting were Katie Davenport and Laura Padgett. Katie Davenport is the Executive Director of Greenwood Promise. GWC Members are encouraged to look at the Greenwood Promise website for more information about how contributions from businesses and individuals help fund college for students in Greenwood who meet the criteria.

Laura Padgett presented a video and talked about the Thrift Shop at Emerald High School that is run by transitional students to provide work hours for career focused experiences.  Donations may be dropped off at the front office or Laura can be emailed.

Laura Bachinski, Co-Chair of GWC, offered closing comments about how to become a Member of GWC.

GWC donated two new children’s books to the Greenwood County Public Library in honor of our speakers, each with a GWC bookplate naming the honoree and her organization.

Our next Quarterly meeting will be Monday, November 4th at the Arts Center. The 2019 GWC Grant recipients will present information about their GWC funded projects and programs. As always, guests are welcome!

GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Getting Your Ducks in a Row”, at Hospice Store, May 13, 2019

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The GWC Quarterly Meeting on May 13th, “Getting Your Ducks in A Row”, was generously hosted by The Hospice Store. Delightful spring refreshments were served and GWC Members and guests were treated to a time of socializing and shopping. The Hospice Store has something for everyone! Nancy Corley, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont, gave a very informative talk about the history and purpose of Hospice, the Hospice House, and the new Palliative Care Center. Nancy encouraged GWC Members to make advanced directive plans to designate a Healthcare Power of Attorney and to make your wishes known to her or him. The Hon. Travis Moore, Probate Judge, Greenwood County, spoke about dealing with estates, guardianship, mental illness/chemical dependency, and marriage licenses. Some of his advice was to ensure that you have a will and make determinations about your property in advance of critical health needs or end of life. Melissa Bane, Senior Private Client Advisor of Greenwood Capital, also strongly encouraged us to speak to loved ones about our wishes and to inform them of the location of original wills as well as providing them with copies of this and other essential documents. She urged Members to review beneficiaries on insurance documents and to make sure that joint property is titled with both spouses’ name. Thanks to all three speakers for sobering but very relevant information! The Meeting was attended by more than 50 of our Members and numerous guests. Those who weren’t able to attend missed out on great information! Our next GWC Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20th at the United Center for Community Care.

GWC 2019 Grant Award Recipients! March 2019

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Greenwood Women Care (GWC) recently awarded grants totaling $47,625 in our first annual granting cycle! Eight local nonprofits serving residents of Greenwood County received awards ranging from $2500 to $10,000. Pictured are: (front row) Deborah Parks, Laura Stowe, Summer Booker, GWC Steering Committee members; Alison Fletcher, Mary Woodiwiss, Laura Bachinski, GWC Steering and Grants Committee members; Kathy Emily, Marilyn Murphy, Patricia Hartung, and Anne Craig, GWC Grants Committee members; (back row) Joanne Burkett, Greenwood Community Improvement Foundation-WLC; Lisa Lane, Project Hope Foundation; Kathryn Butler (Greenwood School District 50) and Claire Wieters, Beyond Abuse; Teresa Goodman, Community Initiatives; Alice Hodges, Meg’s House; Steve Coleman, MODELS Academy; Stephen Gilbert, Greenwood Community Theatre. (Not pictured: Connie Maxwell Children’s Home recipients) GWC Grants were awarded to: Beyond Abuse ~ mentoring program for 5th grade girls (through 6th grade) Community Initiatives ~ Safe Haven after school and summer programs Meg’s House ~ household supplies for 12 clients in Operation Impact program Greenwood Community Improvement Foundation ~ Leadership Scholars program for middle & high school girls Project Hope Foundation ~ training and supervision of ABA therapists serving children with autism MODELS Academy ~ program and conference costs for MODELS Academy for African-American males, grades 5-12 Greenwood Community Theatre ~ production costs, including outreach performances & The Penguin Project Connie Maxwell Children’s Home ~ furnishings for Family Care Program for single mothers and children Congratulations to our 2019 GWC Grants recipients! We are grateful for all your excellent efforts to improve the quality of our community life in Greenwood County!

GWC Annual Meeting, “Celebrating Our First Year!”, at Greenwood Genetic Center, March 26, 2019

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GWC members and guests met Tuesday, March 26 at the Greenwood Genetic Center to celebrate our first Annual Meeting.

Champagne, punch, appetizers, strawberry parfaits, and cookies representing our grant awards (specially crafted by Connie Carstens) were enjoyed by all!

Angelle LaBorde, Chair of the Programs & Education Committee, introduced Dawn Puderbaugh Hodges who gave an informative talk about the history and overview of the programs at the Greenwood Genetic Center, our hosting venue. Anne Hancock, Chair of the Governance & Finance Committee, presented the slate of GWC Officers and Steering Committee which was approved by the Members present. They are: Laura Bachinski and Mary Woodiwiss, Co-Chairs; Laura Stowe, Secretary; Lou Noel, Treasurer; Summer Booker, Kelly Buckshorn, Alison Fletcher, Anne Hancock, Angelle LaBorde, Megha Lal, Deborah Parks, Anna Welborn, and Trentsie Williams.

Mary Woodiwiss reviewed highlights of our first year, including the key activities of each committee. Mary noted our 2019 GWC Grant recipients, with awards totaling $47,625 (as previously announced to the Membership). We were excited to learn that the financial health of GWC going into our second year is extremely strong with balances as follows: Granting Fund $42,536, Endowment Fund $23,516, and Administration Budget $6,498.

Looking towards the future, Laura Bachinski discussed ways to support GWC through Gift Memberships as well as gifts made in memory or honor of an individual. She also spoke of the importance of strengthening the framework of GWC through our Standing Committees. Laura briefly discussed our annual calendar, social events, and made us aware that we could look forward to our November Meeting when we will hear from our grant recipients.

GWC Presentation at Together SC Summit, March 12, 2019

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GWC’s Grants Review & Awards Committee held a workshop entitled “Grant Writing 101” that was open to the community and welcomed 31 attendees. The workshop was developed by GWC Members Wendi Andrews, Sandra McMullen, and Kathy Emily, and included a panel of four local funders: Selynto Anderson (Self Regional Hospital Foundation), Marisel Losa, (United Way), Mamie Nicholson (Self Family Foundation) and Mary Woodiwiss (Greenwood County Community Foundation). Attendees learned about principles and practical steps for writing effective grant proposals to assist them in seeking funding through GWC grants or other sources.

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GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Time to Vote!”, at The Museum, February 25, 2019

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Greenwood Women Care enjoyed a record turnout for our first Quarterly Meeting of 2019 with more than 90 Members attending our inaugural granting assembly.  The Museum provided an excellent venue for our evening!

Our meeting began with an extended social time downstairs at The Museum where we were treated to delicious appetizers and chocolates along with numerous beverage options, arranged by the Social Committee. We moved to the upper gallery for the program, with content chosen by the Programs and Education Committee. Karen Jennings, Executive Director of The Museum, graciously welcomed us and directed our attention to the various featured exhibits. Trentsie Williams, Steering Committee member, opened the meeting by highlighting numerous GWC accomplishments. Pattie Fender, Communications Committee member, was acknowledged for her initiation of the GWC Facebook page. Members were encouraged to “like” and “share” our new Facebook page.

After committee presentations, all completed a brief form indicating their committee interests. Members were encouraged to join a committee if time and interest allow; however, we were also given the opportunity to decline committee affiliations.

Laura Bachinski, of the Grants Committee, reviewed voting procedures for our very first GWC Grant Awards and granting questions were entertained.  Laura also reminded us of our upcoming Annual Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 26th, 5:30-7:00 at the Greenwood Genetic Center.

Sincere thanks are extended to The Museum, Simon Says Grow for the lovely table flowers, and those GWC Members who presented along with those who worked behind the scenes to make our meeting a success.