Branford Woman's Club well represented at Orlando convention

Submitted

Branford Woman's Club members Kathy Stark, arts chairperson and president, and Elaine Nemeth attended the annual FFWC Spring Convention in Orlando April 17-19, where hundreds of club members went for a weekend of fun and learning. The theme and special project for the upcoming two-year administration is "Sharing Hope for a Better Tomorrow" to support Heifer International.

Heifer's mission is to end poverty and hunger while caring for the earth. They do this by providing livestock and trees to families and communities in need, both here in the United States and around the world. With these gifts of animals come training and education in their care as well as education on sound agricultural practices to enhance our earth.

This year the GFWC Branford Woman's Club together with other GFWC woman's clubs throughout Florida held many fundraising events for this cause. At the Spring Convention, FFWC President Linda Dennis presented a donation to Kate Merrill of Heifer International with a check for $102,500. Merrill shared her thanks and passion during the donation award dinner: "...One thing that I am truly thankful for in 2009 is that I get to oversee this partnership with GFWC Florida. Is that selfish? I not only get to spend time with you wonderful ladies, the most fun, might I add, but I also get to tell my colleagues about how special it is to watch thousands of women get excited about helping others ... just think about the generations of people that will be helped because of your passion right now. We are grateful to have your support, and I hope that you wake up every morning and go to sleep every night knowing that. Best wishes to you all, and I look forward to working with all of you in 2009."

Saturday, Elaine and Kathy attended workshops ranging from conservation projects, to innovative ways to make a difference in the community and local schools. A workshop on domestic violence awareness provided much needed insights into this growing family problem. Other workshops attended, included grant writing, public relations techniques, and developing leadership skills.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month, from September through May. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m., and we are looking for volunteers to join our club. For more information, please contact Elaine at 386-935-6854 or Kathy at 386-935-3487.

The time is here when some major repairs to the building and some improvements to the grounds must be made if this community landmark is to remain a treasure for future generations. The women of the club have gladly served the community for over 60 years, and now the club needs a helping hand to make these much-needed repairs and improvements. If you would like to help, please mail your donation to the Branford Woman's Club, P.O. Box 1084, Branford, FL 32008. Be sure to note that the funds are a donation to our building fund. The members of the Branford Woman's Club thank you.

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