It seems like there’s a lot of hoop-la when groups announce the amount of money raised from fundraising activities. But real news is how much of that fund raised actually, really, truly goes to the beneficiary.
Confused? Totally understand. Here’s an example: Let’s pretend The Mosquito Preservation Society announces their black-tie brunch “raised” a whopping $5.5M. But when the dust settles and expenses are accounted, no one fessed up that only $1.99 went to the society. Well, after all when you’re serving Cristal mimosas in Baccarat flutes, white truffle-laden omelets on Bernardaud china and have Adele on stage for 10 minutes, it does cost a pretty penny. And that’s not to mention thank-you gifts for the committee like Birkin bags for the ladies and Dallas National Golf Club memberships for the men.
Ah, but there are other groups that proudly show-and-tell the amounts presented to the beneficiaries. One such organization is the Northwood Woman’s Club. No, they don’t have the over-the-top grandiose galas, but they are so typical of the fundraising groups that dig their stilettos in the ground and keep their eyes on the outcome, not the partying. As proof, the Northwood gals just presented $255,250 to their 2016 beneficiaries.
Here’s a breakdown of the checks that were distributed:
- Austin Street Center — $50,000 to renovate the showers and improve the women’s dressing area within the Austin Street Center facility serving homeless women.
- New Beginning Center — $54,000 to provide programs and services for families affected by domestic violence. Services include emergency shelter, case management, legal advocacy, food, clothing, counseling, and economic literacy in a safe environment.
- New Friends New Life — $47,000 to support programs designed to restore and empower formerly trafficked girls and sexually exploited women and their children.
- Nexus Recovery Center — $33,000 to support the services provided in the Pregnant or Parenting Women with Children Program. Services include trauma-based drug and alcohol addiction treatment, counseling, food, shelter, education and access to after school care and childcare for their children.
- Rainbow Days — $21,250 to provide supplies and trained staff to provide weekly support groups to homeless children. The children, ages 4-12, receive social, emotional, mental and behavioral health support and guidance using a research-based curriculum.
- St. Simon’s After-School — $38,000 to support after-school programs for low-income children in DISD which provide care and academic assistance, remedial reading programs and enrichment activities.
- University of Texas Dallas Scholarships — $12,000 to pay tuition for two high-achieving students who have demonstrated both a financial need and a strong desire to continue their education at UT Dallas.
* Photo provided by Northwood Woman's Club
Bettye Stripling says
What a nice tribute to 373 women who work year after year to volunteer time and raise funds for the women and children of Dallas and Collin counties! All volunteer and loving every minute of it.
Warm thanks to My Sweet Charity!
Debor Cassen says
We are committed to raising more support for our chosen agencies this next year:
Friends of Wednesday’s Child, Genesis, Our Friends Place, Promise House, North Dallas Shared Ministries and Shared Housing Center! Thank you for recognizing our work also knowing that the women of Northwood donate thousands of volunteer hours in the community each year. We appreciate your recognition of our efforts.