A Circle of Women Growing Philanthropy

Fall 2020 2020 Grants Awards Set Records Grants to Five Agencies Totaling $300,941 In January of this year, we were honored to award fivecommunity grants totaling $300,941 - the most we've ever given in one year. Remarkable growth in membership, strong support from community partners, and responsible stewardship led us to this landmark. These funds, as have all our grants, are impacting our community and transforming the lives of women and children. Together, with our nonprofit partners, we are serving and strengthening our community with resilience and hope.

$72,664 Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (REACH II) Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County is a constant supportive presence in the lives of those impacted by dementia-related illnesses...including the lives of caregivers. We are humbled to serve alongside their mission. Our 2020 grant is allowing for the expansion of an evidence-based caregiver support education program - REACH - designed to improve the lives of dementia caregivers by reducing their stress and burden, equipping them to be at their best for their loved ones.

$36,000 $31,519 Together We Can Deliver Learning Pavilion at Woldert Park What an honor to celebrate the purchase of TWO vehicles which are on the Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, road NOW - delivering help and hope to women in Smith County. Because Perseverance, Courtesy, Judgement. The Nine Core Values guide The First of our members' giving, our 2020 grant to Meals on Wheels of East Texas Tee of Greater Tyler as they seek to help young people develop character Allowed for the expansion of services - enabling more senior women to by focusing on these important values. Our grant will allow for a Learning remain living independently in their own homes, ensuring nutritious meals Pavilion at Woldert Park, to be used for the educational portion of the First as well as important safety checks. These touchpoints are more important than Tee curriculum, further extending the reach of this unique youth development ever during these challenging times. We are so proud to provide the WHEELS program that uses golf as a platform to teach essential life skills. for the MEALS! Together We Can Deliver! $60,758 Caldwell Ceramics Lab $100,000 We love being a part of developing the gifts of young artists and harnessing the CampV Women's Center benefits of arts integration! Our grant to Tyler ISD Foundation is funding an authentic ceramics lab allowing over 500 students at Caldwell Arts Academy Our grant to East Texas Veteran's Community Council will renovate an to explore a full ceramics curriculum - including wedging and coiling clay, existing building to house a comprehensive Women's Veterans Service wheel throwing, trimming, glazing, and sculpting. Additionally, the ceramics Center for mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. The ultimate goal of the lab will be used to engage the Tyler community through other art appreciation project is to create a safe place for women veterans to assume community and education events hosted at the lab. We recognize and applaud the many leadership roles. benefits of arts-rich experiences!

$1,976,145 Cumulative Giving l 29 Agencies Impacted l Countless Lives Transformed Message from Kristen After five years of serving with a beautiful circle of givers, my role as president of the Women’s Fund of Smith County has concluded. The timing is especially poignant for me, as it coincides with my favorite season - Thanksgiving. While I may not need a holiday to remind me to be thankful, it is meaningful to pause and reflect with gratitude. Thank You – words which cannot be spoken or heard often enough. They are the two most important words in philanthropy. Relationships are at the center of any giving experience, and authentic expressions of appreciation deepen the connection between the giver and the receiver. I have learned many philanthropic lessons during my years serving with the Women’s Fund, but perhaps no greater lesson than that of gratefulness. It can be the difference between reaching and exceeding goals; the difference between helping a few and helping many. I came into this leadership position with a resume of nonprofit board involvement and trusted I was equipped to take the reins. Little did I know that the reins would take me – to a better understanding of what it means to impact community and transform lives. There is something unique about women giving together, something special about women giving to women Zoe Lawhorn, New WFSC President and children. When the life of a woman is changed, a family is changed, a community is changed – for good. Kristen Seeber, Past WFSC President It is no wonder the Women’s Fund of Smith County is described as a giving circle. Together, we see one another, we listen to each other. We are connected. The hands held in this circle are hands of kindness, compassion and gentle strength. We give individually; but, through our circle of togetherness, our gift is leveraged for even more impact. Our circle will not be broken. It is bound with gratitude, recognizing each and every gift. The only reason to let go of another’s hand is to open the space, to allow the hands of someone new to join us. The wider the circle, the greater the gifts, the more lives touched. I’ve heard it said, “Each time women gather in circles with one another, the world heals a little more.” It is very powerful to be a part of someone’s journey to find healing, hope and restoration. The Women’s Fund is humbled and honored to have been a part of many such journeys in our thirteen- year history. One of those is mine. I, too, have endured loss and days of darkness. Their graciousness helped me find my way again, and I will always be thankful. They show me the light, they stand in the gap, they help me be brave. That’s what this circle does – surrounds others, because we believe together is better. Sometimes, life’s journey includes paths of long-suffering. It is comforting to know there are companions along the way to keep us from feeling lost and alone in this world. I try to look at the glass as neither half empty nor half full; but as overflowing with God’s goodness and faithfulness unto me. My bounty of blessings includes these wise, wonderful women whose benevolence has transformed me. This message is far from goodbye, for I will be part of this meaningful mission always. What is on my heart is gladness, because I know our purpose is not about one moment in time. The pilgrimage of thanks and giving goes on and on… Even While Apart, Our Mission Brings Us Together! We worked together this year - using Zoom, socially distanced small Grants Announcement groups, and virtual spaces - to continue our work in Smith County. Willow Brook Country Club Even without our signature events and traditional meetings, the February 4, 2020 strength of our members moved our mission forward.

WFSC 2019 Vice Chair for Grants Agnes Ward welcomes all to the announcement.

In February, WFSC was well represented at the Philonos Conference in Seattle. Jackie Bruton, Kristen Seeber, Patty Machin, Johnna Fullen and WFSC Members Mardi Byrd, Cathy Shipp Jennifer Henry shared and learned and Kathy Girouard anxiously await the with representatives form Giving announcement of the 2020 Grants. WFSC Grants Committee Members Melissa Circles around the country. Williamson and Amie Kitt with WFSC Board Chair Johnna Fullen. 2020 WFSC WFSC Grants Committee continues their work in discussing and evaluating grant Mission Continues applications submitted by Smith County WFSC staff, leadership and G.I.V.E. committee nonprofits for 2021 grants - even during a members encourage the G.I.V.E. girls as they pandemic. Thank goodness for Zoom! G.I.V.E. research local nonprofits for their 2021 grant. (Girls Invested in This year's Girls Invested in Volunteer Efforts (G.I.V.E.), made up of ambitious high school- Volunteer Efforts) aged girls from Smith County, awarded a record-breaking grant of $8,500 to For the Silent. Their hard work and dedication combined with the mentoring support of WFSC members will help other girls understand their own value and worth.

G.I.V.E. Girls Researching Local Nonprofits

G.I.V.E. girls met for a socially distanced grant presentation. (Masks were removed for the picture!)

G.I.V.E. 2020-2021 Kick Off

ETCF Give Together Now East Texas Fund

Amidst unprecedented circumstances, there arose unprecedented need in our community, and the Women's Fund of Smith County rose to meet that need without hesitation. We joined other generous philanthropists in support of the Give Together Now East Texas Fund at East Texas Communities Foundation. Our gift of $5,000 helped to provide immediate financial assistance to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Over half a million dollars has been raised, and 100% of all donations went directly to eligible households most affected by the pandemic. In part because of our gift, more than 1,000 families have benefitted from this meaningful project.

Our Compass Club ... Greetings from Zoe! During my first few weeks here at the Women’s Fund of Smith County, I have been filled with feelings of humble admiration for the talented, powerful, intelligent and creative women who lead this organization. Ours is a joyful work, filled with passion and connection to each other, our community, and the people whose lives we change. In most cases, we never know the people who are impacted by our giving - except in the case of our membership. Our giving circle changes more than the lives of those served by the nonprofit agencies we fund; 35 women who give ABOVE their annual support to protect our our giving circle changes our own lives and has certainly changed mission and ensure its continued sustainability, allowing for maximum mine in a profound and wonderful way. I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization, with a impact of membership dollars through grants. servant’s heart and a deep compassion for those in need all around us. And in doing so, I hope to stand shoulder to shoulder with you all, For more information contact Zoe Lawhorn. as we work together to accomplish our transformative mission. Please [email protected] join me as I renew my membership for 2021. 903-509-1771 Because Together IS Better! Zoe Lawhorn

Visit www.womensfundsc.org for membership information, sponsorship opportunities and ongoing updates regarding the Women’s Fund of Smith County. Message from Johnna It's often said that a lot can happen in a year... and what a year 2020 has been for all of us! What a year it has been for our giving circle! I recognize that TODAY, we may feel as though we want to forget the past several months; however, it is my hope that in time, we will remember fondly some bright moments that were present in the long days of 2020. Personally, I will remember with fondness my role as chair of the Women's Fund of Smith County during these unprecedented times. I cannot put in to words the sense of responsibility and purpose felt by the staff and board this year. Because of the pandemic, we had to shift our way of thinking, getting creative to keep our mission relevant. In addition, we were charged with finding a new President/CEO. I have to admit, it's not the year I had prepared for or planned, but TOGETHER, we not only survived - the Women's Fund of Smith County thrived and our mission is stronger than ever! When I reflect on the Women's Fund of Smith County and its members, I think of resilience. By definition, resilience is defined as the capacity Johnna Fullen to recover from difficulties; toughness. Our giving circle is resilient indeed, as showcased by our achievements during such a challenging year. Board Chair Together, we awarded five community grants totaling over $300,000 - the most we've ever given in one year. Together, we mentored a great group of Smith County high school girls (G.I.V.E.), resulting in an $8,500 grant to For the Silent. Together, we participated in the Give Together Now East Texas Fund at ETCF, to support individuals experiencing hardship from COVID-19. Together, we celebrated the last five years led by Kristen Seeber, and hired a new President/CEO, Zoe Lawhorn, to lead us in to the next decade. Together, we achieved record membership - 320 members strong, ensuring our capacity to award grants and continue to impact our community. Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions of the year was the cancellation of our signature event, the annual Power of the Purse luncheon. I hopeyou were able to view the video message released on the day the celebration was to take place, showcasing the agencies receiving our 2020 grants. Although we weren't together in person, as captured in the video message, the Women's Fund of Smith County has much to celebrate. Another special thank you to our Power of the Purse sponsors and community partners, always standing alongside us as we help deserving women and children in Smith County. The membership campaign for 2020 is underway. Please considering renewing your membership or inviting a friend to join. Remember, any woman with a giving heart is welcome to be a part of our giving circle. The more the merrier! Information is available on our website, www.WomensFundSC.org. In closing, I want to thank Kristen, Patty and Zoe for their commitment to our mission. I have seen firsthand the work and dedication required to serve in a staff position for our organization. Thank you to all members serving on committees that adapted to the new environment we're experiencing. A special thanks to the grants committee, completing the grants cycle via Zoom. And to the President/CEO search committee, I can't love and appreciate you enough. Finally, what an amazing, dedicated board of directors - thank you for taking a chance on me... not once, but twice! I am humbled to share that I will serve as the 2021 board chair of this wonderful organization - that I love with all my heart. I look forward to an even better 2021. TOGETHER, we will do it AGAIN because we are resilient, and our community needs us...

Thank you to our generous Sponsors and Underwriters! Presenting Sponsor 2020 Board of Directors

Johnna Fullen, Chair Val Anderson Jackie Bruton Cristy Arscott Vice Chair for Governance Gillian Brasfield Tiffany Kirgan Betsy Brush Secretary/Treasurer Michelle Carr Tomi Ellis Kristy Everitt Joyce Buford Vice Chair for Advancement Donor Advised Fund Jo Ann Idell Deborah Race Jennifer Gaston at East Texas Communities Vice Chair for Grants Judith Guthrie Foundation Whitney Patterson Jennifer Henry Vice Chair for Membership Nancy Lamar Kay Latta Vera Moore Immediate Past Chair Linda Rowe Patty Steelman Cathy Shipp Past Chairs Council Liaison Tomi Ellis (Ex Officio) Jenny Sloan Kristen Seeber Gay Smith Karleen Draper Past President Trish Rodriguez Terrell Zoe Lawhorn Agnes Ward Henry & Peters, P.C. President LaToya Young Patty Machin Boyd Boyd & Giddens Deborah Race Executive Assistant Kathryn Droder Southside Bank Thank You, Jo Ann Smith East Texas Communities Squyres Johnson Squyres In February, we were deeply humbled to receive our first Foundation Texas Bank & Trust Legacy Gift through the estate of Linda Jo Ann Smith. Janie Edmonds A beloved Charter Member of our Giving Circle, Jo Ann Tyler Junior College passed away in July of last year. Hers was the smile that Four Seasons Women's Health Meela & Juan Mejia often greeted us first at our events over the years, and we Johnna Fullen will miss her terribly. The University of Texas Mary Irwin Health Science Center at Tyler We are especially honored by the trust this gift represents. Judith Guthrie Jo Ann believed in our mission, and this significant gesture Carrie-Ann Jasper-Yearty by her will ensure its far-reaching impact. Her steadfast support serves as an inspiration to all of us and will extend our reach to women and children in In Kind Sponsors our community. We hope others will consider a gift to WFSC in their estate planning. PromoMEdia

We love you, Jo Ann. Your beautiful heart forever stays with us. Travel Masters TYLER TODAY Magazine 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.

2020 Women's Fund of Smith County Carol Allen Compass Club Carolyn Novick Gold Visionary Silver Visionary $5,000 $3,000 Allison Andrews Dawn Franks Sheryl Rogers Palmer Gay Brookshire Johnna Fullen Margaret Perkins Lauren Buford Beairds Margaret Perkins Allison Andrews Janie Edmonds Jackie Brutons Judith Guthrie Deborah Race Jane Campbell Debbie Prescott Natalie Chisholm Laura Perkins DeeDee Bufe Jennifer Henry Ginny Ragland Johnna Fullen Nancy Cooper Sally Schultz Joyce Buford Sharon Kay Howell Sue Saxenmeyer Jane Campbell Virginia Boyd Hudsons Sally Schultz Dreamer - $600 Emily Coats Joanne Idell Gay Smith W. Joy Adams Deborah Davis Deleisa Johnson Linda Richey Paula Hamilton Allen Casey Dirksen Jill Johnson Rachel Robertson Karleen Draper Erin Jasper Lynda Speak Cristy Arscott Martha Dunlap Betsy Jones Dorina Roge' Louise Dyer Carrie-Ann Jasper-Yeartys Patty Steelman Ava Ashby Dana Durman Stephanie Kennedy Cheryl Rogers Tomi Ellis Kay Latta Karen Williams Stacia Aylor Lisa Ellis Christi Khalaf Debbie Roosth Mary Fischer Carol Lott Nancy Wrenn Nan Hutchins Bailey Kristy A. Everitt Sandra King Kathryn Rowan Margo Ballew Jeanne Fanning Nancy Kirkpatrick Margaret Rowan Visionary - $1,200 Sandra Barker Beth Filla Amie Kitt Carolyn Roy Marilyn Abegg-Glass* Melinda Findlay Vera Moore* Beverly Beavers-Brooks Annette Findley* Cathy Krafve Cindy Baker Rudd* Carol Allen* Mary Fischer* Martha Oates* Rebecca Berkley Haley Ferguson Vickie Lacy Ginger Saunders Val Anderson Dawn Franks* Lana Peacock Cris Berlingeri Mia Forehand Julie Langford Kristen Seeber Peggy Berry* Rhonda Forsythe Zoe Lawhorn Melissa Shanhouse Paula Anthony* Rita Fryer Tamra Pierce Mitzi Bjork Misty Francis Pam Lisner* Gillian Sheridan* Jennifer Moore Gaston Kimberly Ashley* Deborah Race* Jeanne Blythe Hilly Freeman Amy Lovely Libby Shoup Barbara Bass*s Henrietta Grooms* Ginny Ragland Holly Boyd Michelle Fry Lisa Lujan* Barbara Shtofman Darla Bennett* Nez Gross Marjorie Ream* Lorrie Bradford Julia Gardner Paula Lundberg-Love Barbara Sjerven* Mary Ann Blair Ann Guin Marilyn Richey Betty Briggs Vanessa Gardner Patty Machin Jenny Sloan Evelyn Bochow* Debby Gunter* Cynthia Riter*s Trisha Brinton Cheryl Garmon Jana Magee Debbie Smith Pauletta Jane Bonner Judith Guthrie* Kristi C. Roberts* Lori Britt Marsha Garrett Janet Majors* Debra Smith Gillian Brasfield* Diane Heindel* Jodi Rohrbach Jana Broussard Bonnie Genung Amy Martin Karie Smith Driedra Brelsford Cindy Henry Sharon Romano Betsy Brush Cheryl Gideon Stephanie Mazingo Shirley Snodgrass s Kathy Girouard Cynthia McAndrew Le’Anne Southerland Vicki Briggs Jennifer Henry Smittee Root Jackie Bruton Alesha Buckner Leigh Goodson Kim McClure Marie Starling Gay Brookshire Susan Hill Linda Rowe* Maelen Bynum Jennifer Green Debra McCook Margaret Stewart Sunni Brookshire Sharon Kay Howell* Linda Rudd Mardi Byrd Barbara Greenbauer Liz McCown Heather Stoner DeeDee Bufe* Virginia B. Hudsons Susan Saxenmeyer* Cheri Cairns Connie Greenberg Holly McFarlin Millette Stroud Joyce Buford* Joanne Idell* Sandy Shepard* Shelley Calhoun Brenda Gregory Nita Meads Ahnise Summers Bobbie Burks Mary Irwin Cathy Shipp* Wanda Callaway Kris Gusa Donna Metke Trish Terrell Jeanette Deas Calhoun Helen Israel* Carol Walker Smith* Holly M. Carroll Ginger Haberle Kelly Michaels Susan Thomae-Morphew Kara Camp* Erin Jasper Gay Smith Jennifer Carson Janice Hamilton Becky Sue Miller Diane Thomason* Christy Hanson Dorota Miller Ruby Tomiln Michelle Carr Carrie-Ann Jasper-Yeartys Vicki Sorrell* Annetta Carter Candice Christian Jean Harris Gina Moers Sandy Varner June Cheatham Sebetha Jenkins-Booker Donna Spann Penny Clarkston Suzy Hensley Anita Moore Sandy Volatile Darla Childress Lisa R. Jones Lynda Speak Katy Cline Savannah Herrington Connie Moore Hannah Walker Carole W. Clark* Rosemary Jones Rebecca Spencer Misty Coker Jennifer Hines Monica Moore Gail Wallace Emily Coats* Debbie Jordan* Dana Cook Staples Daye Collins Glenda Hinsley Ellen Musselman* Rosie Wallin Kathey Comer Tiffany Kirgan Patty Steelman Karen Crawford Diane Hodge Karen Padrucco Neita Fran Ward Shannon Dacus* Cindy Klein* Penny Stephens Nancy Crawford Su Holder Sheryl Rogers Palmer Chelli Warren Susan Davis Melisa Lackner Ellen Trant Sarah Cumming Merlyn Holmes Karen Partee Beth Whitney Karla Hudson Lorie Pate Trudy Williams Kay Dawson Nancy Lamar* Jo Ellan Walley Natalie Curley Michele Curtis Shirley Hughes Diana Patterson Melissa Williamson Karleen Draper Kay K. Latta* Agnes Mellon Ward Tiffany Damskov Jana Humphrey Penny Patterson Sherilyn Willis Kathryn Droder Arielle Lee Marty Wiggins* Jean M. Dark Elizabeth Hutson Whitney Patterson Andrea Wilson Anne Duffey* Carol Lott* Karen Williams Marcia Daughtrey Laura Hyde* Carol Pendleton Melissa Winebarger Louise Dyer Lisa Lowry Amy Woldert Amanda Davis Cari Johnson Marsha Pettigrew Carrie Wolf Amy Egana Ella McGaughey Christina Davis Deborah Johnson Julie Philley Nancy Wrenn* Polly Pickle Sharon Wynne Elizabeth Ellis Tish McGuire Endowment Founders Tomi Ellis Fritter McNally* Nancie Pritchard Cindi Yancy-Hebert Lifetime Gift of $25,000 Erin Pugh LaToya Young Grace English Mechele Mills Alison Kirby Sasha Vukelja/Maxi Anderson Jeni Ramsey Ivette Zavarce Amy Faulconer Diane Moore* Carolyn Novick Women in Tyler* Jennifer Reynolds Pat Zips Laura K. Young* Megan Riaz *Charter Member sDonor Advised Fund at ETCF