In Attendance: Becky Hart (VP Philanthropy); Rebecca Leo; Laurey Cosentino; Marilyn Bosian; Mary Schild; Amy Hennen; Donda Thomasson; Betty J. Blackwell; Dorinda Jenkins; Carol Rubin; Abbie Volpini; Susie Marlier; Sandy Wolchok; Debra Cleary-Scharf; Terri Fishman; Debbie Peterson; Marda Kornhaber; Crystal Egbuna; Berle Chamblee; Gayle McKearin; Ceci Robinson; Kathy Marcello; Robin Meek; Marcia Merrill, Sandy Wolchok.

Becky opened the meeting by asking everyone to say their name and use five words to describe what they did over the summer.

Abbie Volpini reported on the Classroom Central Collection Drive that just ended. She received $1441.40 from the virtual drive, $200 in checks and approximately 10 bags of supplies (monetary value to be determined shortly).

Sandy Wolchok, philanthropy website coordinator, talked about changes made to the website. Philanthropy event registration pages will now look and function like the clubs’ pages. Also, new for philanthropy members, an invitation announcement will be sent the day registration opens for a volunteer event, typically two or three weeks in advance of the event. (Please check out the revised CWC Philanthropy section).

Laurey Cosentino, CWC president and our guest speaker, talked about her vision for CWC, which includes adding one or more clubs; increasing the engagement level of members by participating in more clubs and assuming future leadership roles to head up clubs, philanthropy volunteer coordinator positions; committees, and board positions. Laurey has also recently added two new board member positions plus a Buddy Program for new members. More will be discussed at the September 18 luncheon.

OUTREACH EVENTS:

Terri Fishman – discussed the Assistance League volunteer event November 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. There are 12 volunteer slots available to make Christmas wreaths and other decorations to be sold in the thrift shop. (Registration will open October 18). The thrift shop is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and donations are accepted on Saturdays. There will be a donation truck accepting housewares and toys on November 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ballantyne Country Club.

Amy Hennen (assistant volunteer coordinator) for Bright Blessings talked about the volunteer event October 2 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. There are 40 volunteer slots available. (Registration will open September 16). There is also a collection drive planned for the beginning of the year for infants and children.

Ceci Robinson and Dorinda Jenkins - Promising Pages. The first volunteer event is September 19 and is full. The second event is scheduled for       October 31. A conversation ensued about members’ interest in more volunteer opportunities to benefit the underserved school-age populations. Dorinda is going to investigate opportunities within, as well as, outside the CMS area.

Kathy Marcello, volunteer coordinator for Safe Alliance, discussed the upcoming Safe Alliance Luncheon scheduled for December 4; As in years past, there will be a guest speaker who will share her personal story.  The following members volunteered to help with this event: Carol Rubin, Marda K., Susie M., Barbara H. and Bearle Chamblee.

Robin Meek, committee member for the September 18 luncheon, shared how the event will educate attendees about CWC and introduce us to the new club chairs & volunteer coordinators, who are interested in meeting members and hearing about their suggestions and ideas. During the luncheon program, there will be a Q & A period reserved for members to ask questions and make comments. Each attendee will receive a goody bag filled with an item from each club. Becky showed us a custom seed packet and an inspirational card she designed to represent Philanthropy.

Next month’s philanthropy meeting will focus on the Pink Bow Campaign led by Cathy Kane and Robin Saddler.  It is imperative that all attendees register in advance for the October 10 meeting to provide enough seating for everyone. If you would like pink bows for yourself or your neighborhood, please call Ceci Robinson at 704-953-5177.

The November 6 philanthropy meeting will be devoted to an activity to benefit Bright Blessings. Becky would like to encourage more projects and activities for our philanthropy meetings.

There will not be a meeting in December because of the holidays but Becky is planning to host us for a fun afternoon or evening. More details to come.

Ceci volunteers at two nursing homes and talked about how the elderly are often neglected and lonely. Receiving greeting cards during the holidays is very uplifting, and she asked for members to bring signed cards to our meetings. Betty suggested getting the schools involved with this.

Important Reminders:

1.    For bookkeeping purposes, we should always notify volunteer coordinators when we donate to a CWC sponsored fundraiser/drive.
2.    Please remember to update your profile with a new address, email or phone number.
3.    Upcoming class September 13, 1:30 – 3:00 on navigating the CWC website
4.    Register for the next meeting, scheduled for October 10, and learn about the Pink Bow Campaign.

The Meeting closed at 1:35 pm with a Thank You to Uwharrie Bank and to Sandy Wolchok for taking the Meeting Minutes.

Please join us for the NEXT Philanthropy meeting, Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm.