In the summer of 1995, Women's Center Board member Marion Collins saw a need for a fundraising arm to operate exclusively for the benefit of the Center. By August she formed a steering committee consisting of Gini Dryden, Cynthia Brubaker, Joyce Boudrie, Celia Keen and Jenny Gessler. Two membership coffees were held and attracted 45 members. The group officially became the Women's Center Guild after electing officers at its formation meeting in November. The first board meeting was held in December and the board was installed at the Guild's kickoff meeting in January, 1996.
The Women's Center Guild has had a rich history in fundraising and special events. The longest running fundraiser, "To Serve With Love", is still going strong and includes a women's tennis tournament with a luncheon and silent auction. The Guild has also held "Interior Treasurers and Gardening Pleasures," a dazzling display of antiques, home furnishing and gardening ideas; "A Stroll through South Traditions", featuring southern delicacies, an Island Sunset, various vignettes as well as an auction featuring local artwork, jewelry, trips, and fine wines; and "An Evening with Juilliard", an elegant evening of food and music performed by graduates of Juilliard.
New events are always being added such as, "A Gourmet's Kitchen Tour" which includes visiting homes throughout the county where local chef's prepare appetizers to be sampled.
The Guild's financial contribution has allowed the Women's Center to expand their services and has also been a major factor in growing the Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund was established in 2000, under the direction of Cindy Michaud and was the dream of the organizing committee members to generate lasting financial resources for the Women's Center to meet the ever-increasing needs of a changing society.
We pay tribute to and extend a special Thank You to those Guild members under whose leadership substantial amounts of money were raised, allowing for the continued growth and expansion of the Women's Center services and programs.
Past Presidents:
- 1995 - 1997 Marion Collins
- 1997 - 1998 Pat Bonn
- 1998 - 2000 Cindy Michaud
- 2000 - 2001 Pat Bonn
- 2001 - 2002 Chris Pollock
- 2002 - 2003 Annette Fraczak
- 2003 - 2004 Sandy Henry
- 2004 - 2005 Audrey Lopez
- 2005 - 2007 Christine Lance
- 2007 - 2008 Candice Santomauro
- 2008 - 2009 Marian Shope
- 2009 - 2010 Marian Shope & Monica Rowe
