Women's Giving Circle

Women's Giving Circle's Generosity Continues to Shine

Washington County, OH — The members of the Women's Giving Circle have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to funding programs that empower local women and children. In their recent fall 2023 meeting, the Women's Giving Circle determined their generous contributions would benefit three deserving organizations:

  • $4,000 will enable Harmar Rowing Club to reduce student fees and replenish their scholarship fund for students wishing to participate in rowing. Scholarships assist students needing to pay for uniforms, meals during travel, and more.

  • $4,000 will help GoPacks provide access to consistent, nutritious food to students who attend Marietta City Schools, the Washington County Career Center, or are homeschooled in the Marietta, Ohio area.

  • $3,000 will assist Caring Connection create and implement a diaper program, helping families give their babies a healthy and safe start in life.

“We are very grateful for the Women’s Giving Circle’s generosity,” said Eric Dowler, President of the Harmar Rowing Club. “This is naturally a very expensive sport. These funds will significantly improve accessibility to the sport for youth in Washington County.”

“We are so appreciative of the financial partnership of the Women’s Giving Circle,” said Heather Warner, Director of GoPacks. “Such community support ensures that local students have access to nutritious food, despite the climbing food prices we are all experiencing.”

Jim Tilley, Director of Caring Connection, said “I'd just like to say thanks to the Women's Giving Circle for giving us the means to meet a real community need.”

“I thought it was very interesting!” expressed Susie Warman, a brand new member to the group. “I liked how the three different organizations all get some of the pot of money. It seems that with the nonprofits that spoke today, the $4,000 or $3,000 will make a huge impact.”

Since its establishment in 2016, the Women's Giving Circle has consistently displayed a deep commitment to bettering the lives of those in Washington County. With this latest round of funding, their cumulative contributions to nonprofits in the region have now exceeded $72,000.

The Women's Giving Circle extends an open invitation to individuals who share their passion for philanthropy and desire to drive positive change in their community. By becoming a member of the Women's Giving Circle, individuals can actively participate in the decision-making process, directly influencing the lives of local women and children. This inclusive approach ensures that the Circle remains a powerful force for good in Washington County.

For more information on becoming a member and taking an active role in philanthropic efforts, please contact Heather Allender at heather@mcfohio.org or call 740-373-3286.

Inaugural InfluencHer Leadership Summit: Empowering Girls and Fostering Leadership Potential

Washington County, OH — The inaugural InfluencHer Leadership Summit took place on August 4th, delivering a day of empowerment, exploration, and growth to middle-school girls aged 9-13 in Washington County, Ohio.

The event was organized by Building Bridges to Careers and Marietta Community Foundation and brought together young minds and enthusiastic mentors for a day of skill-building and inspiration.

Tasha Werry, Executive Director of Building Bridges to Careers, commented, “The summit aimed to provide a safe and supportive environment for young girls to network with local female leaders, and to learn about the wide variety of roles they play in the community. We also wanted them to leave with a sense of confidence and an understanding that their voices matter.”

The young leaders engaged in hands-on workshops alongside dedicated female mentors with shared interests throughout the day. The program featured several fun team-building challenges, a self-defense class led by female police officers, a community service activity, a mindfulness workshop, one-on-one mentoring, and much more.

Additionally, each participant received a copy of "The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, & Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self," a gift from LeeAnn Johnson to serve as an ongoing source of guidance.

Following the Summit, parents soon reported seeing a positive difference, noticing their daughter’s confidence boost and willingness to try new things.

When surveyed about aspects or workshops that stood out as particularly impactful or memorable, one parent anonymously said, “For mine, it was the overall feeling of confidence that came from an encouraging day. She discussed each workshop, but what really came across was the feeling of inclusion and positive expectation.”

“My daughter went into this event nervous and came out with a huge smile,” conveyed another parent. “She loved team building exercises and self defense the most. Also, loved her awesome mentor.”

Reflecting on the day, Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, said “Witnessing the girls engage with accomplished mentors and embrace new challenges was truly rewarding. We are proud to have created an event that will leave a lasting impression on these future community leaders.”

The event organizers attribute the success of the day to the enthusiasm and active engagement of each young leader and mentor.

Additionally, the organizers wish to formally thank several individuals and organizations whose contributions made the Summit an unforgettable experience for all involved:

  • The empowering women who volunteered to mentor: Heather Allender, Danielle Bruni, Brittany Casto, Kelsy Eaton, Sally Evans, Sophie Evans, LeeAnn Johnson, Pamela Lankford, Debbie Lazorik, Ashleigh Pennock, Claire Ramsey, Jona Rinard, Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, Carol Schneeberger, Sherry Wagner, Katie Warden, Courtney Wentz, Tasha Werry, Jill Witucky, and Katie Wolfe.

  • Chief Katie Warden & Olivia Alloway of the Marietta City Police Department and Marietta College Police Department, respectively: Their leadership of Workshop 2: Self-Defense provided the young leaders with practical verbal and physical tools to enhance personal safety and confidence.

  • EVE, Inc.: Their partnership for Workshop 3: Service Activity highlighted the importance of community service and inspired participants to make a positive impact within our community.

  • Maribeth Saleem-Tanner: Her guidance during Workshop 4: Mindfulness allowed the girls to explore the benefits of self-awareness, emotional well-being, and the power of being present, nurturing a sense of inner peace and resilience.

  • LeeAnn Johnson: Her extremely generous gift of The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, & Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self to each mentee will continue to inspire and guide the young leaders beyond the summit, encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths and potential.

  • The Betsey Mills Club: Their facility was the perfect venue for the event, offering a welcoming and versatile space for mentorship and learning.

  • Building Bridges to Careers: Their dedication to designing and orchestrating a well-rounded program created an environment that encouraged creativity, learning, and growth among young leaders and mentors alike.

  • Marietta Community Foundation: Their commitment to inspiring our community served as the driving force behind creating the summit and bringing it to life, empowering future leaders, and addressing an identified need.

  • The Women’s Giving Circle: Their generous financial backing made it possible to offer the summit free of charge to all participants, ensuring that this transformative experience was accessible to young leaders throughout the community.

About the InfluencHer Leadership Summit

The InfluencHer Leadership Summit is a unique gathering that brings together enthusiastic young minds, passionate mentors, and engaging activities, all with the goal of equipping tweens with essential leadership skills. Throughout the day, participants (known as “influencHers”) will embark on an immersive journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and hands-on mentorship.

About Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C)

BB2C offers career mentoring, job shadowing, internships, and career exploration to students. They foster relationships to inspire career choice and work to support successful students, prosperous businesses, and thriving communities.

About Marietta Community Foundation

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Club of Influence: Women’s Giving Circle Empowers and Transforms Lives

The Women's Giving Circle, a dedicated group of philanthropic women, is making a significant impact in Washington County by generously supporting programs that empower local women and children. During their June 1 meeting, the Women's Giving Circle proudly awarded a collective $11,000 in grants to three deserving initiatives.

Moved by the inspiring presentations, the group decided to increase the award amounts from their usual $4,000, $2,000, and $1,000 allocations. The first and second-place recipients were both granted $4,000, while the third-place initiative received $3,000. This distribution fully utilized the funds available until the next meeting.

The grants will be allocated as follows:

  • $4,000 will support the first-ever InfluencHer Leadership Summit, a free one-day program for middle school girls in Washington County that strives to empower young girls and foster their leadership potential.

  • $4,000 will support a collaboration between the Washington County Homeless Project and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which provides an avenue for homeless and disadvantaged families to regularly do their laundry.

  • $3,000 will support the Betsey Mills Club as they repair chipped floors that pose a safety hazard, refresh paint, and incorporate tutoring services focusing on kindergarten readiness, reading, and math into four classrooms.

By strategically distributing their resources, the Women's Giving Circle ensures that their grants have a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of women and children in their community.

Kerry Jean Waddle, Executive Director of the Betsey Mills Club, expressed her excitement, stating, “We are extremely excited to receive funding from the Women's Giving Circle! The Women's Giving Circle is an amazing group of women who are passionate about giving back to the community! Their giving spirit will help so many people, and their impact will be seen for decades to come! We feel so blessed to be included in this grant funding, and we cannot say thank you enough!”

Keri Dunn

The heartfelt stories of the projects' impact deeply moved the Women's Giving Circle members, including Keri Dunn, a newer member of the group. Keri shared her personal connection, saying, “My grandpa just passed away, and he was a dedicated RSVP volunteer. He could hardly walk, but would still be out delivering Meals on Wheels. It was so important to him! He’s part of the reason I’m here. He taught us that no matter our circumstances, there are always others who are worse off and need our help.”

Since its establishment in 2016, the Women's Giving Circle has donated over $60,000 to various nonprofits in Washington County.

The Women's Giving Circle welcomes new members who share their passion for philanthropy and their desire to drive positive change. By joining, individuals can actively participate in the decision-making process and directly impact the lives of women and children in their community. For more information on becoming a member, please contact Heather Allender at heather@mcfohio.org or 740-373-3286.

Habitat for Humanity, Tabby’s Closet, Salvation Army Receive Grants from Women’s Giving Circle

Women participating in Women's Giving Circle

Washington County, OH — Twice a year, a group of generous women invest thousands of dollars in local causes to lift up women and children.

During their fall meeting on October 5, the Women’s Giving Circle learned about Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build project, Tabby’s Closet at Marietta City Schools, and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. They then voted to grant $4,000, $2,000, and $1,000 to each project respectively.

Alvin Phillips, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley, expressed his appreciation for any level of support.

“This donation will be so helpful as we are completing our Women Build project in Fleming,” said Phillips. “The costs of materials have gone up drastically in the past couple of years, so a donation of this size is extremely helpful.”

“We are truly grateful to receive a grant of this magnitude,” said Brittnany Schaad, Attendance and Home Services Coordinator at Marietta City Schools. “This will be a huge help in replenishing the supplies that our students need to stay in school and focus on their education.”

Members of the group enjoy discovering or learning more about local causes, and the fellowship that comes with joining.

“I think it’s just a wonderful group of women,” said Janet Cranston, who joined at the beginning of the year. “And we can give back to the community and do some worthwhile things.”

Barbara Moberg has participated since 2018. “We feel the people who are presenting here are very authentic,” she said. “Just hearing about these projects is so valuable, and plants a seed in our minds as far as organizations that are worthy of supporting.” 

A companion group of Marietta Community Foundation, the Women’s Giving Circle encompasses local women passionate about improving their community. By engaging in participatory philanthropy, group members can pool their financial support with other community-minded women to create a large impact.

Since its creation in 2016, the group has donated more than $50,000 to local nonprofits benefitting women and children. Nearly 50 women are currently involved.

 The Women’s Giving Circle will host its next event in May 2023. Female philanthropists who wish to empower local women and children are encouraged to contact the Foundation for information on joining the Women’s Giving Circle at heather@mcfohio.org or 740-373-3286.

Women's Giving Circle Invests $7,000 in Local Women and Youth Initiatives

Washington County, OH — On May 19, a gathering of generous women produced great results for the community. As members of the Women’s Giving Circle came together to catch up with friends and boost their awareness of local issues, they invested in the initiatives of three local nonprofits.

A companion group of Marietta Community Foundation, the Women’s Giving Circle encompasses local women passionate about improving their community. By engaging in participatory philanthropy, group members can pool their financial support with other community-minded women to create a large impact.

Prior to this biannual gathering, members were invited to submit proposals for nonprofit organizations they felt embodied the Women’s Giving Circle mission. The group then heard from the leaders of three nonprofits — Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Gospel Mission Food Pantry, and Kiwanis Club of Marietta Ohio. Each leader had the opportunity to explain their cause and answer any questions.

Each of the nonprofits received support from the group. Gospel Mission Food Pantry will receive $4,000 to purchase and distribute baby formula, Kiwanis Club of Marietta Ohio will receive $2,000 toward their service projects, and Boys and Girls Club of Washington County will receive $1,000 in operational support.

Since its creation in 2016, the group has donated more than $43,000 to local nonprofits benefitting women and children. Nearly 50 women are currently involved, including Rosanne Buell, a multi-year member.

“I’ve been a member of the Women’s Giving Circle going on three years,” Buell said. “It’s a wonderful group of women from all walks of life coming together for a great cause. I’m proud to be a member of this organization.”

The Women’s Giving Circle will host its next event this fall. If you are a female philanthropist who wants to make a difference and empower local women and children, contact Heather Allender for information on joining the Women’s Giving Circle at heather@mcfohio.org or 740-373-3286.

Women’s Giving Group Comes Full-Circle

On a beautiful May 19th evening, a group known as the Women’s Giving Circle met for the first time in over a year. While the evening was full of fun and time to catch up with old friends, a singular focus was on everyones’ mind… ‘How can we best serve the women and children of Washington County?’

Created in 2016 through the efforts of the leadership at Marietta Community Foundation, the Women’s Giving Circle has 49 members, all local women who share a desire to better their community.

Despite the pandemic, the WGC continued to grow its membership, and for the first time since 2019, the philanthropic group was able to celebrate together by doing what they do best… supplying resources to a local organization in need.

Before their in-person event, members were invited to submit proposals for nonprofit organizations they felt embodied the WGC’s mission.

“The mission of the Women's Giving Circle is to build a community of philanthropists and create a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and children in Washington County, Ohio and the surrounding area,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation. “We want to educate, inspire, and increase the number of women committed to philanthropy to demonstrate the impact we can have in our community.”

Three proposals were randomly drawn from the submissions: EVE, Inc., Greater Marietta Community Food Pantry, and GoPacks.

The proposals that were drawn would then be presented weeks later by the submitting member at the in-person event on May 19th. The remaining members would listen to each presentation and then cast their vote for which organization they would like the group to support.

“This was an entirely new method of giving for our group,” said Lynn Ellis Lowe, President of the Women’s Giving Circle. “It was fun, it was engaging, and we accomplished a lot of good for the community. Any woman in our community with a giving spirit, who is not a part of this wonderful group of ladies, is missing out!... There is always room for more!”

As the evening came to a close the ballots were counted and the results were in… the winner of the $8,000 Women’s Giving Circle grant went to EVE, Inc.

Left to Right; Molly Varner (Giving Circle Member), Janet Wells (Executive Director, Eve, Inc.), and Heather Allender (President & CEO, Marietta Community Foundation).

Left to Right; Molly Varner (Giving Circle Member), Janet Wells (Executive Director, Eve, Inc.), and Heather Allender (President & CEO, Marietta Community Foundation).

“I was the Giving Circle member who submitted EVE, Inc.’s name for my proposal,” said Molly Varner, Women’s Giving Club member. “The work they do for victims of domestic abuse is so important, which is why I can’t be more excited that they were selected to win our spring grant!”

The WGC will host another event this coming fall following a similar format. The group invites any women interested in local philanthropy to attend the event to see if they would like to join. While the date for the fall event has not been scheduled, individuals interested in learning more can contact the Foundation.

MCF COVID-19 Community Plan: Women’s Giving Circle Supports Local Pantries

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Washington County, OH – The Women’s Giving Circle, a Companion Group of Marietta Community Foundation, has approved a $5,000 emergency grant to be given to the Washington County food pantries.

For those pantries utilizing the Southeastern Ohio Foodbank, funds will be applied directly to their accounts. By adding to the Foodbank accounts, the Giving Circle is ensuring that each dollar will be used to its maximum benefit. Washington County food pantries, who do not utilize the Foodbank, will also receive a portion of these funds to better serve their communities.

“With an increased demand for supply at our local pantries, the Women’s Giving Circle did not want the communities these pantries serve to go without,” said Lynn Lowe, Chair of the Women’s Giving Circle.

The Women’s Giving Circle is a local philanthropic group that focuses on meeting the needs of women and children in Washington County and the surrounding area. The group was created in 2016 to educate and inspire local women to take philanthropic action in their very own communities.

Since their inception, the group has given $19,500 to local nonprofits through their annual grant cycle. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group voted to use their funds instead to help during the crisis.

“We have an incredible group of ladies,” said Lowe. “They are talented, committed to the community, and they want to see Washington County thrive! If there are any women out there who want want to share in our mission, then we invite them with open arms.”

Marietta Community Foundation has overseen the establishment and facilitation of numerous companion groups throughout their long history. While the Foundation gives to the most pressing needs, regardless of focus, our companion groups are formed in response to a targeted need. Their chosen initiative can be anything. Such groups bring together like-minded citizens who can join forces to make a tangible difference in a strategic, concentrated way.

For more information on the Women’s Giving Circle, including how to become a member, send an email to heather@mcfohio.org.

The Marietta Community Foundation meets National Standards for operational quality, donor service, and accountability in the community foundation sector. Founded in 1974, the Marietta Community Foundation has grown over the years thanks to a number of generous gifts.

Marietta Community Foundation works to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives, if you want to donate to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund or volunteer with a local nonprofit in need, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286.

Pairing Up for Good. Women's Giving Circle Hosts Nonprofit Speed Dating.

The Washington County Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) held their Nonprofit Speed Dating event on October 11 at the Betsy Mills Club in downtown Marietta. The purpose of the event was to allow local nonprofit organizations the opportunity to introduce themselves and share with members of the WGC their needs to help the community.

Representatives from each organization had nearly ten minutes to detail their proposals at six different stations. Following the event, the WGC selected one organization to receive a $250 mini-grant, donated by the Marietta Community Foundation. The nonprofit organizations participating included the Betsy Mills, Boys & Girls Club, GoPacks, O’Neill Senior Center, Salvation Army, and the Washington County Health Dept.

Formed in late 2016, the Women’s Giving Circle seeks to educate, inspire and increase the number of women committed to philanthropy in order to strengthen Washington County. The Women’s Giving Circle accepts grant applications for local nonprofits, volunteer and educational organizations, and projects that assist women and children in the area. Applications for the next grant cycle are due January 8, 2019.

Visit the Women’s Giving Circle website for further information regarding their grant application process.

Local Literacy Efforts Take Root

Even with the amenities of modern technology, nothing can replace the feeling of opening a book and turning that first page. An investment in literacy can nurture a love of reading that positively impacts a student’s academic and professional career for decades. Through agency funds, donor advised funds, and unrestricted giving, the Marietta Community Foundation has supported a number of local literacy programs and initiatives helping the children of our community to build a strong foundation for education and success.

One such program is the Washington County Chapter of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school in participating communities across the globe. “The Imagination Library is a great way to foster a child’s love of reading very early on,” said Heather Allender, CEO of the Marietta Community Foundation. “Children who receive the monthly books and begin reading at a young age tend to score higher on reading tests than those students not enrolled in the program.”

Research shows that academically, children growing up in homes without books are on average three years behind children in homes with lots of books, even when controlled for other key factors. One of the most successful ways to improve a child’s reading achievement is to increase their access to books, but 61% of low-income families do not have any age appropriate books for their kids at home.

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Families enrolled receive a different age-appropriate, expert-selected book each month at no cost, regardless of the family’s income. The Washington County chapter currently has the capacity to serve 75 local children each year, with room to grow. “It is our goal to be able to enroll every child five and younger in this terrific program,” said Allender.  To help the program expand and reach more area children, those interested can make a donation to the Marietta Community Foundation to support the Imagination Library program. It only takes $25 to support one child per year, or $125 for one child to complete the entire program. 

Literacy is also an important cause to the Foundation’s two companion groups: the Women’s Giving Circle and the Youth Advisory Council. After receiving a grant from the Women’s Giving Circle earlier this year, the Youth Advisory Council purchased and prepared four Little Free Libraries to be installed across Washington County in early fall. Student members of the YAC collected donations of young adult books as well as sanitary items, hygiene items, and school supplies to stock the libraries. “This project will help everyone in the community, no matter the age, which is the ultimate goal of the YAC,” said Halle Richards, Secretary/Treasurer of the YAC.

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Little Free Library is a national nonprofit that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges. By installing these tiny libraries throughout the county, the YAC hopes to increase access to books and other key items for local teens and families.

To further encourage area youth, members of the Youth Advisory Council will be volunteering alongside the Marietta Kiwanis Club this week to set up and host a Storybook Park event on the Armory Lawn during First Friday: Once Upon a Time. Storybook Park brings books to life through reading stations and hands-on activities, and sends each child home with a free book. The YAC is proud to partner with the Kiwanis to promote reading and youth philanthropy during First Friday.

The generosity and support of donors for important causes like literacy truly changes lives and keeps our area strong. To make a difference and support a cause that inspires you, contact Heather Allender, CEO of The Marietta Community Foundation at (740) 373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.

Coming Full Circle

The Marietta Community Foundation welcomed a new companion group, The Women’s Giving Circle. Formed late in 2016, the group focuses on increasing awareness and providing needed support for local women and children.

Members have been hard at work establishing the infrastructure needed to help area non-profits. With the Foundation’s guidance, The Women’s Giving Circle has designated sub-committees to develop internal and external communication plans as well as marketing and promotional initiatives to spread the word to non-profits in need and recruit new members.

The group has also been working on the grant application process that will be used to award needed funds to non-profits within their initiative next year. Through membership fees collected annually, The Women’s Giving Circle hopes to have $11,000 to award through their first grant cycle next year.

 “Our donors come in many different forms – from those who are in a position to make generous monetary donations to those who devote hours and elbow grease and everyone in between,” said MCF President and CEO Heather Allender. “Companion groups like the Women’s Giving Circle offer the greatest chance to establish focused initiatives that receive the support needed to ensure success. We help these groups for as little or as long as needed before they become independent.”

As with other companion groups, the Marietta Community Foundation has worked closely with the Women’s Giving Circle while they establish their initial operations. Once ready, the Foundation will take a step back and allow the group to function independently while still benefitting from the Foundations services. The Foundation will continue to house their grant funds and provide invaluable connections to potential donors and worthy initiatives.

The Women’s Giving Circle will begin meeting monthly this September through May 2018 (excluding December) as they complete the necessary setup for their first major project. New members are always welcome to join the ranks of this exciting new initiative.

Philanthropy Without Boundaries

The Marietta Community Foundation (MCF) is excited to welcome two new initiatives, the Washington County Women’s Giving Circle and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC). These groups share similar interests but demonstrate different ways of giving and emphasize philanthropy without boundaries.

The Giving Circle is focused on increasing awareness of local needs facing women and children in our communities. Throughout the year members contribute minimum gifts which are pooled together to make a larger impact. Once endowed, their contributions will be awarded, through a competitive grants process, to area nonprofits in order to address issues faced by local women and children.

The MCF believes that philanthropy starts at any age and is not limited to a specific type of giving. It includes gifts of all kinds, such as time, action, money and goods, which comprise an interdependent circle of giving that surrounds a community and strengthens it through diversity of support.

The YAC is made up of high school students from Belpre, Warren, Fort Frye and Marietta High Schools. As the students do not have the ability to contribute monetarily, they work on creating unique events to raise funds for the causes they believe in. Britani Merritt, office manager of the Foundation, works with the youth group at their bi-monthly meetings to teach members about philanthropy and guide them on upcoming projects.

Though still in the early stages, the YAC is comprised of eager members who have already been extremely active. Currently underway, their first project is focused on assisting incoming foster children with the transition to their new foster families.

“We look forward to the positive impact both initiatives will have on our community over the next several years,” said Heather Allender, president and CEO of the Foundation. “Both groups have so much enthusiasm for their initiatives; it is encouraging to see such dedication from such diverse members.”