Women of Saint Michael Announce Latest $400K in Gifts at Annual Spring Luncheon
Wednesday, May 15, 7000 Park Lane was the backdrop of the beautifully-presented annual luncheon event for our Women of Saint Michael (WOSM)! The event is not only the traditional annual changing of the leadership guard, but also the announcement for philanthropic giving for the year. As such, they announced that the WOSM Gifts Committee awarded $400,000 in grants to 71 nonprofits that work with those living in poverty in Dallas County and abroad.
Outgoing WOSM President Christine Paddock stated, "...this was an incredible accomplishment that is attributed to the leadership, volunteers, and generosity of the Women, the Exchange and our parish. We will be celebrating our newest grant recipients and cannot wait to announce them today." She also welcomed and urged all in attendance to "come to luncheons next fall, join a Bible study, volunteer at the Exchange, join the Altar Guild or serve on one of the many WOSM committees."
Author Melanie Shankle was the event keynote and spoke about ways we can embrace a meaningful life as we find "the beauty and laughter that lie just beneath the surface of every ordinary, incredible day."
For the hundreds of women and staff in attendance, the event also celebrated the work and ministry of long-time parishioner and dear friend, Anne Coke, as honorary chairman, who "exemplifies the idea of Christian graciousness and gracefulness. We give thanks for her and celebrate all the women in our lives."
In welcoming new 2019-20 WOSM President Allison Bovard, Paddock said, "it has been an honor and a gift for me to serve as President of the Women of Saint Michael this year. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this such a wonderful year! I hope that your summer is filled with much love and laughter."
About the Women of Saint Michael Philanthropy
For 60 years, the Women of Saint Michael Gifts Committee has given back to the community grants totaling over $9.7 million. Much of the funding for the Gifts Committee comes from the profits of the St. Michael's Woman's Exchange gift shop in Highland Park Village, celebrating its 60th year, and the oldest operating storefront in the "Village". The Exchange was originally started in 1939 as a consignment shop, was later operated by the Jr. League of Dallas as a service project, and in 1958 was sold to the Women of Saint Michael for $1500.
"The money we receive from the Women of Saint Michael keeps our air conditioning going, and all of our 400 clients warm in the winter and cool in the summer..." - Daniel Roby, Executive Director of Austin Street Center
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2019 WOSM Gifts Committee Recipient List
View the Official Event Press Release
EVENT PHOTOS
Photo credit Kim Leeson Photography (Luncheon) and Haal Photography (Book Signing)
Featured photo above: L-R Event Co-Chair Jennifer Pickens, Honorary Co-Chair Anne Coke, Outgoing President Christine Paddock and Co-Chair Tish Visinsky. Photo credit Kim Leeson Photography
WOSM Spring Luncheon 2019
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