Project W Founding Members (Front Row L to R) Romie Griesmer, Ariadne Rodriguez Petrucelli, Lauren Sustersic, Soly McLaughlin, Kim D’Ambrosio (Second Row) Margie Slenn, Heather Finnegan, Julie Eble, Mary Powell, Patty Panzo (Not Pictured) Patty Bassett, Cheryl Haze, Quyen Mark, Jean Steinke.
FOR RELEASE: MARCH 7, 2019
Women in Delaware County Launch “Project W” – a Giving Circle
Springfield, PA-
A group of civic-minded women gathered in Ridley Township last week to officially kick off a giving circle. “Project W” follows the giving circle pattern where groups of individuals donate to a pooled fund, collectively explore the community’s needs, then decide together how to distribute the funds for maximum impact. The Project W Founding Members met in a small meeting room in the public library and signed up for this effort — to bring a piece of their hearts, minds and checkbooks to improving the lives of other women and families in Delaware County.
Giving circles often have women at the helm. According to a recent report from Collective Giving, greater than 90% of all Giving Circles are women-led. “Women are very passionate about serving and supporting worthy causes especially those that involve the needs of underprivileged or disadvantaged women,” says Project W Vice-Chairperson Soly McLaughlin. Founding Member Romie Griesmer adds “Alone our donations may seem insignificant, but when we pool many donations, the grants become large enough for a non-profit to launch new projects, purchase needed equipment or sustain a vital effort.”
Project W jumped out the starting gate with an initial goal to recruit 50 like-minded women by June 2019. But, as word spreads, women are responding so quickly that this goal may be surpassed before the end of March. “It seems Project W is fulfilling an unmet need. Talented women of energy and passion are longing to collaborate” says Project W Chairperson Kim D’Ambrosio.
D’Ambrosio believes women should join Project W for 4 reasons: “First, we, as women, can make a difference right here in Delaware County. Second, we can make a difference quickly -within this calendar year. Third, we can work with other dynamic and caring women, using a team approach, to create something special. Lastly, and maybe most importantly for many busy women, there is flexibility- — you can get involved as little or as much as you like.”
Project W will operate under The Community’s Foundation’s (TCF) charitable umbrella. Operating as a program of TCF allows members to focus on their core priority: improving and enhancing the quality of life for women in Delaware County. TCF offers administrative, legal, and financial services to a variety of community-minded groups across Delaware County, as a means to empower every-day citizens to take philanthropy into their own hands.
Are you interested in joining Project W? You can learn more at ProjW.org or by emailing ProjectW@TCFhelps.org. Are you interested in seeking TCF’s support to launch your own charitable endeavor? Call TCF at 610-461-6571.
Project W is a women’s Giving Circle that harnesses the power of collective giving. Project W is committed to enhancing and improving the quality of life for women in Delaware County. If you join, your impact will be immediate. You will be in the fellowship of other community-minded women and learn more about the many organizations that enrich and improve our daily lives. You may further personalize your involvement by joining a committee in your area of interest. Areas of Interest include 1) health and human services 2) education 3) family. The fund is fiscally sponsored by The Community’s Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Springfield, PA.
Contact Information:
Project W
c/o The Community’s Foundation
900 W. Sproul Road; Suite 101
Springfield, PA 19064
Website: ProjW.org
Email: ProjectW@TCFhelps.org
Telephone: (610)461-6571
Media Contact: Lauren Sustersic
By Women, For Women 