A Circle of Women Growing Philanthropy

Fall 2019

12th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon Tuesday, November 5, 2019 Thank You 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Generous Sponsors CrossWalk Conference Center Green Acres Baptist Church Presenting What’s In Your Purse? Novick If you know me well, you know that I love a unique bag for evenings. I don’t feel my wardrobe Imagine is complete until it’s complemented with that special little purse. However, whether it be my ELLIS cork clutch, beaded crossbody, or a straw rattan EXPLORATION, INC bag, it is the contents that I carry in it which is most important to me. I must be able to include the essentials: lipstick, phone, keys, license and Enlighten cash. Darla Childress 2019 Chair As I began thinking about this year’s Power of the Purse, I began asking myself, “How do I pack Joyce Buford my purse for serving others? What are the essentials I include?” Once Donor Advised Fund again, just as I pack very few items for evening, yet extremely important at ETCF to me, I realized that for my ‘Purse of Service’ I need to include basic, necessary essentials: my ideas, my energy, a positive attitude, a monetary gift, and my love. Only five basic things needed to make such Invitation an impact on others' lives. Thankfully to the many women involved in The Women’s Fund of Smith County, their purses have blessed twenty-seven agencies and Inspire countless lives with grants totaling $1,672,293 since 2009. This year, four impactful grants were made to PATH, East Texas Crisis Center, Discovery Science Place and Next Step Community Solutions - Suicide Prevention and Counseling Expansion. With the heartbreak of more suicides evident, this new program model will harness the power Centerpieces of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and cultures, Karleen Draper ultimately preventing suicide, bullying and substance abuse at two Smith County public school campuses. Encourage I hope you will join us for this year’s Power of DeeDee Bufe Prosperity Bank the Purse to learn about the major impacts being Boyd, Boyd & Giddens Deborah Race made in Smith County and to be entertained and Kay Dawson Cathy Shipp & Associates, LLC inspired by our special guest Sandra Joseph. East Texas Communities Foundation Southside Bank As a history-making Broadway star turned Betsy Ellis Squyres, Johnson, Squyres & Co inspirational keynote speaker, her legendary run Tomi Ellis Texas Bank and Trust as Christine Daaé in "The Phantom of the Opera" Four Seasons Women's Health Texas College spanned 10 years, more than 1,300 performances The Genecov Group Angelia Fennell and earned her the record as the longest-running Sandra Joseph Gollob Morgan Peddy The University of Texas at Tyler leading lady in the longest-running Broadway 2019 POP Henry & Peters, P.C. Travel Masters show of all time. Guest Speaker Tiffany Kirgan Tyler Junior College Meela & Juan Mejia How grateful I feel to be serving alongside, now Paul N. Latta, D.D.S.,P.C. Carrie-Ann Yearty & Jane Campbell over 300 members of the Women’s Fund of Smith County, by opening Merrill Lynch Laura Koenig Young my ‘Purse of Service’ to help those less fortunate and in need. If I LMT Wealth Management Group Your Philanthropy & Debby Gunter may ask… have you 'packed your purse’? If not, I hope that you will Merrill Lynch consider doing so by joining The Women’s Fund of Smith County. I can Vicki Sorrell, , CFP® assure you, you will be blessed! Gift Boxes by Make Your Reservation Today! In-Kind PromoMEdia, Robert Dodd • High Hill Farm • TYLER TODAY Magazine www.womensfundsc.org Sponsors as of print deadline Women's Fund Gallery

Mother's Day Luncheon May 9, 2019 Willow Brook Country Club

Photos Courtesy of TYLER TODAY Magazine

Women's Fund of Smith County member Holly McFarlin and her guest Waletta Wilbur

Presenting Sponsor Mary Irwin's luncheon guests Susan Rossman, Cindy Dykes, Debra Smith, Kathy Gohmert, Carol Smith and Marcia Garrett.

WFSC Board Chair Kay Latta and President Kristen Seeber

Jennifer Reynolds, Debby Gunter and Jackie Bruton

East Texas Crisis Center Family Violence Counselor Ana Barnson shares about the lives that are being changed through the Carol Lott and Carolyn Novick enjoy time together at Counseling Intervention Program funded by WFSC grant. the luncheon.

Grants-in-Action Gatherings Discovery Science Place - May 21 PATH - August 22

WFSC Members are treated to a showing of the Discovery Dome at DSP. Transitional Housing Case Manger Crystal Session tells WFSC members about the lives that DSP Executive Director Chris Rasure WFSC Members Cristy Arscott, Leigh Goodson, Smittee are changing because of the WFSC grant. tells WFSC members what is being Root, Yo Orresteota, Tammy Clanton, Melissa Shanhouse, accomplished with the Discovery Dome. Kristen Seeber and Deborah Race. Message from Kristen It is thrilling to be a part of something lifting and vibrant. Such is the experience for those of us involved with the Women’s Fund of Smith County, as our circle continues to grow, to thrive, and to shine! Since our founding in 2007, membership has more than doubled to an inspiring number of 315. But it’s not just a number to us. To us, this number represents energy and passion, strength and togetherness – 315 faces of philanthropy, 315 giving hearts. Much of the beauty of our organization comes from the diversity of our members in age, race, and even giving capacities. Yet we share a deep sense of affection for our mission to transform our community by funding programs that enrich the lives of women and children. Members of our circle are extraordinarily committed to our collective giving and grant- making process and take pride in our accomplishments which make a lasting difference. Dr. Mary Fischer There’s something special about women giving together, something special about women giving to children. When the life of a woman is transformed, a family is transformed, a Recipient of the 2019 American community is transformed. That type of impact cannot easily be quantified. In her book, The Accounting Association Moment of Lift, Melinda Gates powerfully puts it this way, “How can we summon a moment of Government and Nonprofit lift for human beings – and especially for women? Because when you lift up women, you lift Section's Enduring Lifetime up humanity.” Contribution Award for her exemplary career service in What’s in a number? Is less more? Is bigger better? Maybe there really is strength, and even accounting. safety, in numbers. Bringing people together and cultivating relationships give meaning to the rise in momentum. Gates goes on to say, “I believe women’s groups are essential for each Dr. Fischer is professor of accounting at The University of Texas at Tyler of us individually but also for society generally – because progress depends on inclusion, and Soules College of Business. She is a Charter inclusion begins with women.” Member of WFSC and currently serves as an So, we’ll keep widening our circle and extending our reach. Hope you’ll be a part of our advisor to the Grants Committee. continued lift! We are proud of you, Mary!

Follow us on If not already receiving, sign up for our monthly eNews and learn more about membership, mission and outreach - www.womensfundsc.org IT’S TIME! RENEW/JOIN FOR 2020 Each year, we re-dedicate our passion for our mission to transform our community and enrich the lives of women & children through collective giving. Our grants to area nonprofits can only continue and have impact, because of YOU… We believe that “together is better.” As individuals and as an organization, we are caring, welcoming and compassionate. We value excellence and relationships that result in innovative advancements to community services dealing with education, health & wellness, human services, and the arts. Be a part of our values and vision by renewing your membership or joining our circle of givers. We will have 2020 Commitment Cards available at the Power of the Purse Luncheon in November. Or, you renew/join online: www.womensfundsc.org. Remember, you may make payment: • monthly, quarterly or yearly • through a Donor Advised Fund • through gifts of securities • through an Employer match We're excited for a great 2020 and beyond!

Johnna Fullen Women’s Fund of Smith County annual membership is January 1 through Jackie Bruton 2020 Board Chair December 31. Regardless of renewal/join date, we appreciate payment in-full 2020 Vice Chair for Governance by the end of the calendar year to ensure maximum impact of our grant-making program.

2019 Board of Directors Kay Latta, Chair Message from Kay Johnna Fullen 525,600 minutes Vice Chair for Governance Gay Smith 525,000 moments so dear Secretary/Treasurer 525,600 minutes Tomi Ellis How do you measure, measure a year? Vice Chair for Advancement In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee Agnes Ward In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife Vice Chair for Grants Whitney Patterson In 525,600 minutes Vice Chair for Membership How do you measure a year in the life? Nancy Lamar Immediate Past Chair Yes, it’s the beginning of the song Seasons of Love from the musical RENT. But it Kay Latta Sharon Howell certainly applies to my reflection of this year in the life of The Women’s Fund of Board Chair Past Chairs Council Liaison Smith County. How fast it goes, yet how much has been accomplished. (Ex Officio) I was amazed at the energy and spirit of community that I felt at the recent Women’s Philanthropy Val Anderson Cristy Arscott Summit. What a blessing it was! Kathryn Miree gave us such important and yet seldom truly Gillian Brasfield discussed topics for consideration. Special thanks to Marty Wiggins and the committee for ALL Jackie Bruton their tireless work. As we heard, studies of women’s philanthropy reveal that it’s defined by three DeeDee Bufe Michelle Carr primary motivators: COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION and COMMUNITY. Our focus on Jennifer Gaston collaboration was in full view at the summit-- along with the East Texas Communities Foundation and Judith Guthrie the Association of Fundraising Professionals, East Texas Chapter. Collaboration means “Together IS Jennifer Henry Tiffany Kirgan better”! We received inspiring communications on best practices in women’s philanthropy and finally Vera Moore with the goal of community impact we know that together we have the power to transform our lives, Deborah Race our communities, and our world. Linda Rowe Cathy Shipp As we get ready for Fall and the end of this year, I encourage you to renew your membership on this Jenny Sloan fantastic voyage that is the Women’s Fund of Smith County. We have come so far this year, yet there is Trish Rodriguez Terrell Ellen Trant still more to do. We NEED your collaboration. SO, as the song ends; LaToya Young It’s time now to sing out Kristen Seeber Though the story never ends President Patty Machin Let's celebrate, remember a year Executive Assistant In the life of friends...

Carol Allen Dawn Franks Joanne Idell Margaret Perkins Gay Brookshire Johnna Fullen Erin Jasper Deborah Race Emily Coats Judith Guthrie Carrie-Ann Jasper-Yearty Ginny Ragland Shannon Dacus Jennifer Henry Kay Latta Gay Smith Karleen Draper Sharon Kay Howell Carolyn Novick Lynda Speak Louise Dyer Virginia Boyd Hudson Sheryl Rogers Palmer Patty Steelman Mary Fischer Nancy Wrenn

Shannon Dacus Sharon Howell Compass Club Compass Club Co-Chair Compass…an instrument containing a magnetized pointer, showing the direction of magnetic North. Co-Chair Originally established in 2014, Compass Club is a group of visionary Women’s Fund members ~ pointing us toward our true North and mission of transforming our community through collective giving. As WFSC members, these are women who already have a heart for giving but are blessed with the extra philanthropic capacity to do more. Compass Club is an additional giving opportunity for our members, as CC gifts are donations above a member’s annual support (suggested three-year commitment of $1,000 annually.) These unrestricted funds are used to support the mission of the Women’s Fund and are available for use by the Board of Directors for operating or program needs. We are proud of this strong and ongoing advancement effort, providing a vehicle to grow unrestricted giving which is vital to the strength and sustainability of our giving circle. Valuing responsible stewardship of resources, we are committed to maximizing dollars available for grant making, while remaining efficient in our administrative operations and planning for our future. Come join this special ensemble of women within our circle! If you’re already a member of Compass Club, please consider renewing your commitment. Your extra annual gift will forward our magnetic North of enriching the lives of women and children in Smith County and chart the course for far-reaching impact. If not already receiving, sign up for our monthly eNews and learn more about membership, mission and outreach - www.womensfundsc.org For more information, please email us - [email protected] PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID 909 ESE Loop 323, Suite 215 Tyler, TX 75701 LONGVIEW, TX www.WomensFundSC.org PERMIT No. 9

The Women's Fund of Smith County believes that together is better. Through collective giving, we transform our community by funding programs that enrich the lives of women and children.

2019 Women's Fund of Smith County (as of September 30, 2019)

Gold Visionary - $5,000 Dreamer - $600 Lauren Buford Beaird Margaret Perkins W. Joy Adams Deborah Davis Sandra King Kathryn Rowan Vicki Briggs Debbie Prescott Carol Allen* Merry Jayne Davis Amie Kitt Margaret Rowan Silver Visionary - $3,000 Bess Arnold* Casey Dirksen Cathy Krafve Linda Rowe* Cristy Arscott Martha Dunlap Ashley Kutach Carolyn Roy Allison Andrews Rebecca Esposito Peaches Owen Theresa Avirett Lisa Ellis Vickie Lacy Cindy Baker Rudd Nancy Cooper Johnna Fullens Sally Schultz Katherine Bailey Kristy A. Everitt Julie Langford Ginger Saunders Carol Lott* Margo Ballew Jeanne Fanning Carol Langston* Nicole Schneider Sandra Barker Beth Filla Zoe Lawhorn Kristen Seeber Kim Benson Annette Findley* Olivia LeVoy Melissa Shanhouse Visionary - $1,200 Rebecca Berkley Mia Forehand Pam Lisner* Gillian Sheridan Marilyn Abegg-Glass* Mary Fischer* Ginny Ragland Cris Berlingeri Misty Francis Lisa Lujan* Cindy Shoemaker Paula Hamilton Allen Dawn Franks* Marjorie Ream* Mitzi Bjork Cheryl Garmon Patty Machin Libby Shoup Val Anderson Rita Fryer Jennifer Reynolds Mary Ann Blair Marsha Garrett Jana Magee Barbara Sjerven* Paula Anthony* Vanessa Gardner Marilyn Richey Jeanne Blythe Bonnie Genung Janet Majors* Jenny Sloan Kimberly Ashley* Jennifer Moore Gaston Cynthia Riter* Holly Boyd Susan Gill Amy Martin Debbie Smith Barbara Bass*s Henrietta Grooms* Kristi C. Roberts* Lorrie Bradford Kathy Girouard Cynthia McAndrew Debra Smith Darla Bennett* Debby Gunter* Sharon Romano Haley Bragg Kathy Gohmert Cindy McCall Karie Smith Peggy Berry* Judith Guthrie* Smittee Root Betty Briggs Ramona Gonzales Kim McClure Shirley Snodgrass Evelyn Bochow* Diane Heindel* Linda Rudd Tami Brooks Leigh Goodson Debra McCook Le’Anne Southerland Pauletta Jane Bonner Cindy Henry Susan Saxenmeyer* Jana Broussard Barbara Greenbauer Holly McFarlin Dana Staples Gillian Brasfield* Jennifer Henry Julie Shamburger Joyce Brown* Connie Greenberg Nita Meads Marie Starling Driedra Brelsford Susan Hill Sandy Shepard* Jackie Bruton Brenda Gregory Ginger Metcalf Annalisa Stenklyft Gay Brookshire Sharon Kay Howell* Cathy Shipp* Maelen Bynum Ann Guin Donna Metke Heather Stoner Sunni Brookshire Virginia B. Hudsons Barbara Shtofman Mardi Hagen Byrd Kris Gusa Kelly Michaels Millette Stroud DeeDee Bufe* Joanne Idell* Carol Walker Smith* Shelley Calhoun Ginger Haberle Dorota Miller Ahnise Summers Joyce Buford* Mary Irwin Gay Smith Wanda Callaway Betsy Brush Hahn Gina Moers Ashley Tackett Kara Camp* Helen Israel* Jo Ann Smith* Jackie Cannon Janice Hamilton Anita Moore Cindy Terry Jane Campbells Erin Jaspers Vicki Sorrell* Patty Canterbury Jean Harris Connie Moore Janice Terry Michelle Carr Carrie-Ann Jasper-Yeartys Donna Spann Carmen Carpenter Susan Hawkins Ellen Musselman* Susan Thomae-Morphew Claudia D. Carroll* Sebetha Jenkins-Booker Lynda Speak Holly M. Carroll Suzy Hensley Judy Nicholls Diane Thomason* June Cheatham Lisa R. Jones Patty Steelman Nancy Cavender Savannah Herrington Karen Padrucco Amber Thompson Darla Childress Rosemary Jones* Penny Stephens Candice Christian Judy Ellerman Hill Lori Pate Ruby Tomlin Natali Chisholm Debbie Jordan* Patricia Rodriguez Terrell Penny Clarkston Diane Hodge Diana Patterson Sandy Varner W. Clark* Kari Kietzer Terry Terry* Katy Cline Su Holder Penny Patterson Rosie Wallin Emily Coats* Tiffany Kirgan Ellen Trant Misty Coker Stephanie Holt Whitney Patterson Rebecca Wampler Kathey Comer Cindy Klein* Chasha Traylor Daye Collins Karla Hudson Marsha Pettigrew Neita Fran Ward Shannon Dacus* Melisa Lackner Elizabeth Waldrop Mara Corley Shirley Hughes Julie Philley Chelli Warren Susan Davis Nancy Lamar* Gail Wallace Karen Crawford Jana Humphrey Allison Pollan Laura Williams Kay Dawson Kay K. Latta* Jo Ellan Walley Nancy Crawford Elizabeth Hutson Nancie Pritchard Melissa Williamson Kim Dean Arielle Lee Agnes Mellon Ward Sarah Cumming Laura Hyde*s Jeni Ramsey Sherilyn Willis Kathryn Diduch Ella McGaughey Danielle Herd Webb Michele Curtis Amber Johnson Rhonda J. Reuter Andrea Wilson Karleen Draper Fritter McNally* Marty Wiggins* Jean M. Dark Cari Johnson Linda Richey Melissa Winebarger Kathryn Droder Mechele Mills Karen Williams Marcia Daughtrey Deborah Johnson Rachel Robertson Carrie Wolf Anne Duffey* Diane Moore* Sharie Withers Christina Davis Deleisa Johnson Cheryl Rogers Nancy Wrenn* Louise Dyer Vera Moore* Debbie Roosth Sharon Wynne Janie Edmonds Martha Oates* Susan Rossman Cindi Yancy-Hebert Endowment Founders LaToya Young Elizabeth Marsh Ellis Sheryl Rogers Palmer Lifetime Gift of $25,000 Tomi Ellis Lana Peacock Alison Kirby Sasha Vukelja/Maxi Anderson Grace English Tamra Pierce *Charter Member Carolyn Novick Women in Tyler* sDonor Advised Fund at ETCF Amy Faulconer Deborah Race* Laura K. Young*