Women’s Initiative Campaign Off to a Inspirational Start
Members of United Way’s Women’s Initiative gathered at the Junior League of Houston on October 9 to kick off their 2009-10 campaign with the powerful stories of real people whose lives United Way has helped change. The afternoon was perfect for mingling, learning and sharing the can-do attitudes and community spirit of this exceptional group of women. United Way of Greater Houston President and CEO Anna M. Babin welcomed guests to the Conversation and Inspiration Luncheon and thanked them for their outstanding support of United Way. Babin reminded everyone that the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is a critical resource for our community and shared the stories of some of the individuals who have found the help they needed through 2-1-1. “Many of our neighbors are in trouble—rocked by the hurricane, struggling economy, illness and life changes beyond their control,” Babin told guests. “I know you all are here today because you want to help. And from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for that, because all of us standing together can make such a huge impact.” Sue Payne, manager of Geoscience Resources for ExxonMobil Exploration Company, reviewed the results of last year’s Women’s Initiative campaign and thanked Ann E. Deaton for her leadership. Payne introduced the Women’s Initiative Steering Committee and talked about some of the events and volunteer opportunities they have planned for the Women’s Initiative this year. United Way board member, Lynne Liberato, partner with Haynes and Boone, reported on the success of United Way THRIVE, a new initiative to help transform the lives of low-income, working families. Liberato told her fellow Women’s Initiative members that in its inaugural year, THRIVE served over 21,000 families and achieved a social return on investment of 10:1. Liberato, along with several United Way beneficiaries and 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE Manager Sandra Ray, shared personal stories about individual lives United Way has helped change and the impact United Way makes in our community. Dorothy Ables, chief administrative officer for Spectra Energy and co-chair of this year’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, wrapped up by thanking Women’s Initiative members for all that they do. Ables asked members to consider increasing their gift and taking advantage of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society’s match program. “We have seen today the difference we can make when we come together for our community,” Ables said. “We need to do more. As leaders, we have the responsibility of not only shaping our community, but setting an example for others to follow.” Women’s Initiative members were treated to a performance by the Lovett Owl Chorus under the direction of Katherine Martin. A special thanks goes to Spectra Energy for sponsoring this year’s Women’s Initiative Kickoff. Attendees included: Maria Boyce; Peggy Brenner; Jennifer Brown; Nicole Clark; Heather Curran; Harriet Hart; Diana Hudson; Cathy Lamboley; Joycelyn Marek; Miriam Mulva; Anne Taylor; and Beth Wolff. We applaud the members of the Women's Initiative for their strong support of United Way. For information about the Women's Initiative, contact Jordan Wiggins at 713-685-2324. View a photo gallery of this event. |
