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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 relatively short, but rich history in fund raising and special events. The longest running fundraiser, "To Serve with Love", is still going strong and includes a women's tournament with a luncheon and silent auction, men's tournament, and was recently expanded to include "Tennis under the Stars". This evening event held at the Kiwi Tennis Club featured an exhibition of local pros, reverse raffle 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.

To date, over $700,000 has been turned over to the Women's Center to benefit its many programs and services. In our most recent Guild year, 2005-2006, we gave the Women's Center a total of $215,000 from our many fundraising efforts. This 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. As of October 31, 2006, the Endowment Fund had a balance of $176,049.80. The Endowment Fund is not available to the Women's Center for current operations until the fund reaches $500,000.

We would like to pay tribute and say 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.

Guild Presidents