OUT and ABOUT with Seeker Chick Mai-Liis: On Wednesday, November 4th, accompanied by Seeker Chick Julia, I attended a very special event at the Best Western Inn in Cornwall. It was the annual 100+ Women Who Care – Cornwall and Area giving event, which certainly proved that when women come together with a common goal, amazing things can happen!
There is something pretty special about a room filled with women who share a passion for making a difference in their community. This year, an impressive 229 women registered for the event!
Organized by two local realtors, Jo Ann Langstaff and Donna Chisholm-Forget, this initiative is a wonderful example of how individual contributions, when combined, can make a BIG difference in the lives of others.
Each participating woman contributes $100, and the evening gives local charities and organizations an opportunity to share the important work they do and explain how additional funding could help them make an even greater impact.
From 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Julia and I had the opportunity to visit with representatives from each of the 10 charities that had applied or been nominated and selected to participate. Then, between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m., each organization was given three minutes to present its project and make its case for support.
Here are the 10 organizations that participated and what they were hoping to accomplish with their funding requests:
1. Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District – asked for $10,000
Their Active Minds, Connected Lives project would provide dementia- and senior-friendly supplies and equipment to expand their social, recreational and wellness programs.
2. The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry – asked for $7,000
Their Youth Investing in Community Grants program would fund approximately five to seven youth-developed, youth-led and youth-attended programs in Cornwall, putting the power to create positive change directly into the hands of local youth.
3. The Gathering – asked for $10,000
Funding would help The Gathering and its Coffee Shop purchase additional tables and food to support its monthly community meals and weekly Coffee Shop breakfasts.
4. Tri-County Literacy Council – asked for $3,500
Their Living Independently: Practical Home & Life Skills initiative would provide a six-week, hands-on program to help participants develop valuable everyday living skills.
5. Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre – asked for $10,000
This funding would contribute towards the development of a new Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic.
6. Seaway Valley Theatre Company – asked for $10,000
The organization was seeking funding to upgrade its public men’s and women’s washrooms, improving the facilities for theatre patrons.
7. Habitat for Humanity ReStore-Cornwall & The Counties – asked for $10,000
The request would support Phase 1 of a project to build eight affordable homes for local families in the City of Cornwall.
8. CMHA Champlain East / ACSM Champlain Est – asked for $10,000
Funding would provide free The Working Mind training to employees and leaders of small businesses, helping promote mental health awareness and support.
Carefor Hospice Cornwall – asked for $10,000
The funding would go towards replacing the chairs in patient rooms, helping create a more comfortable environment for patients and their loved ones.
10. The Agape Centre – asked for $5,000
Their Lunch Box Initiative would help provide school-aged children with access to fresh, nutritious lunch items.
Following the presentations, it was time for the women to cast their votes and determine which organizations would receive the pooled donations. This was no easy decision! Each organization presented a meaningful cause, and listening to the different needs within our community really reminds you just how many wonderful people and organizations are working hard to make a difference.
While the votes were being counted, there were plenty of door prizes to add to the excitement! Draws were done using a Wheel of Elimination (just like the wheel we use at The Seeker), and I’m happy to report that I was one of the lucky winners! I went home with a lovely bottle of red wine donated by Jo Ann Langstaff.
Although 229 women had registered for the event, 180 women were present and contributed to the evening’s fundraising, bringing the amount collected to $18,000!
Congratulations to the two winning organizations:
The Gathering – https://www.facebook.com/groups/645537223904760
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
Both organizations will benefit from the generosity of the women who participated, with the funds staying right here in our community where they can make a difference!
There was another lovely surprise! An anonymous donor stepped forward and offered to donate a month’s supply of eggs to The Gathering.
I’m sure additional donations and support will continue to come in, and I look forward to sharing any updates as we receive them.
What I particularly love about this initiative is that it gives local organizations an opportunity to share the important work they are doing, raise awareness about needs within our community and potentially receive the financial boost that can help turn an idea into reality.
It’s also an opportunity for the women attending to learn about the many wonderful organizations working behind the scenes to support individuals and families throughout Cornwall and the surrounding area.
And while the two winning organizations received the funding from this year’s event, I truly believe all 10 organizations walked away with something valuable. Every presentation was an opportunity to tell a story, make connections and bring attention to a worthwhile cause.
Shared on Facebook by Mai-Liis Renaud. View the original post.
About the Author
