Women in Philanthropy will hold its annual membership meeting at noon on Thursday, February 26 at the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library, Stukes Meeting Room.
Susie Shannon, general counsel for the Lake City Partnership Council and director of research for the Palmetto Institute, will be speaking on the valuable role women play in philanthropy. The event is open to the public. A light lunch will be served.
Membership in Women in Philanthropy (WIP) is open to anyone who cares about the quality of life in the Pee Dee. The giving circle was founded by Eastern Carolina Community Foundation in 2009 to bring about change through the power of small grants made annually to programs and organizations throughout the Pee Dee region. Members of WIP believe that by combining both enthusiasm and financial resources, they can best address the Pee Dee’s high-priority issues collectively and strategically, and bring change through the power of small grants.
Their annual grant program has awarded $250,000 over the last six years, funding more than 25 nonprofit organizations throughout the Pee Dee. This past year, $53,000 in grants was given to Bethlehem Therapeutic Riding Stables, Lighthouse Ministries, Pee Dee Big Brothers Association, Camp Rae, Mercy Medical Clinic, Marion County Habitat for Humanity,
Pee Dee Speech and Hearing, Caring and Sharing from Hemingway, Help 4 Kids Florence, McLeod Tennis Open, and House of Hope of the Pee Dee.
“By uniting diverse women in our community – professional women, stay-at-home moms and women from a broad range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds – we can make a greater impact,” said WIP chair, Linda Gremillion Beckham. “This dynamic group of women is really making a difference in the Pee Dee, and all the members agree it is the best money we have ever given away.”
For more information about Women in Philanthropy, come to the membership luncheon on February 26 or visit www.easterncarolinacf.org/learn/womeninphilanthropy.