Finance

 

Advocacy

Suzanne attended the 25th Annual Colorado Women Legislators Breakfast on February 25 with sister Zontians from District 12.  The breakfast was attended by more than 200 women who represent community organizations which serve and advocate for women in the areas of health, education, and politics.  The format included a panel discussion by six women legislators of both political parties from throughout the state, and a keynote speech by Carol Hedges, the Executive Director of the Colorado Fiscal Institute.   More than 38 community organizations, including Zonta, had tables encircling the room where they displayed materials about their organizations.  Zonta had a prominent location displaying a large banner next to the speakers’ stage.  Although there was limited time for networking, the event did provide Zonta with visibility to the legislators and other community organizations.

Planning is underway for the next Zonta II advocacy event for the participants in the Bridging the Gap program.  The staff of Mile High United Way is enthusiastic about partnering with Zonta II again to support youth who have emancipated from foster care.  For our next event, we are looking at dates in May or June, and more news will be forthcoming.

Service

SafeHouse Welcome Bags

The Club approved an additional allocation of up to $150 to be charged to “unallocated service funds” to purchase any needed items for the balance of the fiscal year (5/31).

Members: Please bring shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrushes, and dental floss to the meeting.

Empowerment

Please bring items for the food pantry to the meeting.

The Learning Source

Josh Evans, the Executive Director, who was unable to speak at the club’s February meeting will be rescheduled for a later meeting.

Graduation of GED graduates will be held Friday, June 13, at Red Rocks Community College. There will be 50 graduates who will be allowed two guests each. Mary will bring a sign up sheet to the March meeting.

50th Anniversary Celebration will be October 9, 2014. Please contact Mary if members have names of individuals and corporations that may be interested in purchasing tickets or donating items for a silent auction.

Excelsior

The young women at the Sequoia cottage are always most appreciative of the monthly visits from members of our club along with our friend and baker extraordinaire, Carla Freeman. They were treated to a Valentine’s party in February. Barb brought cookies for them to decorate with frosting, sprinkles… You cannot imagine how much frosting was eaten that evening. They also enjoyed making Valentines. They presented us with Valentines which they had made for us prior to our arrival. It was very touching.

March was Bingo night. They were so excited to see us walk in and truly had fun playing Bingo. We wanted to play until everyone was a winner. Some, who had already won, were so very kind in sharing their next Bingo winning card with one who had not yet won.

We get back more than we give with this small activity.

SafeHouse Denver

SafeHouse is seeking volunteers to be on the Committee for the Gala in October, specifically to solicit donations for the silent auction and corporate tables. Members interested in volunteering should contact Valerie Chilewski at 303-302-6116 or vchilewski@safehouse-denver.org

Service Funds Distribution

Grant proposals were received from: Empowerment, Flo Crit, Learning Source, Excelsior, Freedom Service Dogs, SafeHouse, Healthy Beginnings Clinic, and Smart-Girl. Joanne Herlihy Branson wrote a very nice letter on behalf of CVP declining to submit a grant request until trust is re-established with Zonta. CWEE did not submit an application. Service Committee met March 11 to make recommendations for distribution of service funds, which will be presented to the Board at its March meeting. Mary will email packets to the members to review prior to the March meeting when members will vote on the distribution.

Membership

Jan and Carol wish to thank Lois and Suzanne for bringing guests to our February meeting. We also had a guest who found us on YOUR HUB – so a total of three, which is awesome. What is even more awesome is that Debra Knapp, Suzanne’s guest, would like to join Zonta Club of Denver II. Pending confirmation, we will initiate her at our May meeting with her membership effective June 1. Remember, if you have any co-workers, friends, or family members who you believe would make good Zonta Club of Denver II members, let Jan H. and Carol J. know as we would like to send an official “welcome e-mail” to an upcoming meeting.

Jan H./Carol J. Membership Co-Chairs

Member Care

As you are aware, Bobby Johns has had a rough month or so following a serious fall. Although he is home now, he has more healing to do. Just as a fyi, a package of assorted chocolates was sent to Bobby on March 6th from our Club – using funds from our 50/50 members-only raffle. For the benefit of our newer members, Bobby was married to Candy Meininger, who passed away several years ago. Candy was one of Denver II’s founding members and our annual golf tournament is named in her honor. Bobby continues to be a big supporter of Zonta and especially of our golf fund raiser which is held every June.

Submitted by: Carol Johnson
Corresponding Secretary

Treasurer

Once again, it is time to renew our commitment to Zonta and to renew our membership dues for the year June 1, 2014 – May 31, 2015. We have had a very successful year donating our talents, time, and fundraising efforts to promote our many wonderful charities and advocacy projects locally, nationally, and internationally, supporting the transformation of the lives and status of women worldwide. Thank you so much for your participation and support; you are making a huge difference in the lives of women, and you are so appreciated!

Our Club wants to continue growing and developing our membership and good works in our community. Our continuing member dues remain the same which covers our Club, District 12, and International fees. Please consider bringing your check, payable to Zonta Club of Denver II, to the March or April dinner.

Best regards,

Ellen Fitzpatrick, Club Treasurer