Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle Year 2, Kickoff Mass & Luncheon
The spirit of collective giving and engaged philanthropy came alive once again as the Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle (WPGC) marked the kickoff of its second year of service to its community. Comprising a diverse group of passionate women, the WPGC recently celebrated a successful 2023, where it distributed grants totaling an impressive $15,250 to four deserving organizations.
The festivities commenced with Mass at the St. James Cathedral, where prayers of unity and purpose filled the sacred space. Following the service, a heartfelt ceremony unfolded as WPGC joyously welcomed back all 32 members from the previous year, along with the addition of 15 new enthusiastic members. Since the event, the circle has continued to grow, recently gaining four more members, and it remains open and inviting to those who still wish to join the cause.
The WPGC is committed to making a lasting difference and exciting events and initiatives are on the horizon, promising more opportunities for members to come together in service of their community. To learn more about the Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle and how you can join their mission, visit their website at http://www.cfocf.org/womensgivingcircle.
As the WPGC embarks on its second year of service, the spirit of generosity and unity continues to shine brightly. Through their collective efforts, these dedicated women are making an incredible mark on their community, one grant at a time.
2023 WPGC Grant Cycle
Grant Awardee Celebration – October 20, 2023
Through the collective philanthropy of its 32 founding members, the Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle (WPGC) was blessed to distribute grants of $15,250 to four organizations doing extraordinary work in our community at their inaugural Grant Awardee Celebration hosted by Certified Financial Group. WPGC chair, Lori Tolland, announced this year’s grant awardees:
Samaritan Village received a $5,000 grant for their Hope and Healing in the Village Program. Samaritan Village exists to provide a safe place where sexually trafficked women can heal from trauma, recover from addiction, and reclaim their lives to become catalysts for change in their communities. Samaritan Village offers a long-term, trauma-informed, and holistic care model of rehabilitation for survivors. Their vision is to see communities where women live free from sexual exploitation, finding restoration and wholeness in Jesus Christ.
Central Florida Diaper Bank received a $5,000 grant for their Diaper Distribution and Parent Educational Workshop Program. Central Florida Diaper Bank advocates and encourages healthy growth, nutrition and development for children from newborn to age three. They promote self- sufficiency for parents and their children who are at risk due to circumstances beyond their control by identifying their needs and providing the appropriate resources.
The Pregnancy Center of Sanford received a $3,250 grant for their Out of the Valley: Intentional Healing from Post Abortion Grief Program. Their centers exist to offer women alternatives to abortion by modeling the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate lay-counseling and the resources to empower her to make a life-affirming decision. Their post abortion recovery program is an 8-week program to address the very real grief associated with abortion. The Pregnancy Center of Sanford provides women who have experienced abortion(s) a place to uncover barriers holding them back, develop coping and healing skills as well as prepare their heart and mind for a productive future.
Harbor House of Central Florida received a $2,000 for their Emergency Shelter Food Pantry Program. Harbor House strives to prevent and break the cycle of domestic abuse through empowerment-based programs, advocacy, education, and community involvement.
After the grant checks were awarded, Sister Maria Teresa Acosta, SCTJM, the group’s spiritual advisor, offered a prayer of blessing over the leaders of the four grantee organizations.
Pitch Party – September 12, 2023
Members gathered at Bishop Moore Catholic H.S. for the WPGC Pitch Party featuring our four grant finalists: Central Florida Diaper Bank, Harbor House of Central Florida, Samaritan Village, The Pregnancy Center of Sanford. The finalist organizations provided a 5-minute presentation focusing on details of their grant request and had another 5 minutes to answer questions posed by the membership.
Finalist Site Visits – July 29 and August 1, 2023
Site Visits were arranged with the organizations selected as finalists after the first round of voting. All members were invited to attend, if available.
Central Florida Diaper Bank
Harbor House of Central Florida
Samaritan Village
Sanford Crisis Pregnancy Center
Kickoff Mass & Luncheon – February 10, 2023
Members gathered for the first time as the inaugural Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle of Central Florida at the Kickoff Mass & Luncheon. We were blessed to begin with Mass at St. James Cathedral and then enjoy time get to know one another and hear from our servant leader, Bishop John Noonan!
