The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County hosted “Celebrate the Circle Social” to introduce women to the local philanthropy and update them on what is happening with the group.  The event was hosted by WGC founding members Yolanda Bruno, Dorothy Harris, Jean Moon and Linda Odum, who encouraged the attendees to help WGC meet its 10^th anniversary goal of raising a total of $1 million in contributions and pledges by the end of 2012.

Speakers at the event included high school students Kristen Rutherford and Julia Singleton, both of whom attended Journey, the summer camp WGC founded and subsidizes for middle school girls.  In looking back years later at what they had learned during the week-long experience, both young women cited the ability to withstand peer pressure and to maintain a positive self image despite societal expectations.  This summer 26 middle school girls attended Journey at Washington College in Chestertown.

In addition to Journey, WGC maintains a scholarship fund for women who are taking courses at Howard Community College to improve their job prospects and provides emergency funding to local nonprofit organizations for women in crisis, among other grants.

Since its founding in 2002, WGC has attracted over 900 donors who have donated or pledged $900,000.  For more information, visit www.womensgivingcircle.org.