October 2015 Newsletter
Zonta Club of Denver II
October 2015 Newsletter
Membership Update
Ladies – You all know how great it makes you feel to be part of Zonta Club of Denver II as well as Zonta International. Spread the wealth and invite co-workers, friends, and relatives to our October 29th general meeting. Please let Carol J. know who you are inviting and she will be happy to send a “formal” e-mail invitation. A new-member orientation is scheduled for October 27th. If you would like to attend, please contact Jan H.
Service Update
CWEE: The luncheon on Wed., Sept. 30, raised over $70,000.
Florence Crittenton Services: The annual luncheon is Tues., Oct. 13. Jean Griswold and Mary Moser have volunteered. Stocking the shelves for the Baby Bucks Store will be Sunday, October 25, from 10 am to 1 pm. Jean will email members requesting volunteers.
SafeHouse: The gala is Saturday, October 17. Members donated a wine for a gift basket arranged by Barb.
The Learning Source: The Book Bash will be Thurs., Oct. 22, approx. 5:30-9:30 pm, at Artwork Network, 878 Santa Fe Drive. Volunteers will handle the registration table, silent auction money collection, silent auction item distribution. Free parking at 10th & Santa Fe Dr. Members donated so many Italian culinary items so that there will be two gift baskets.
Excelsior: Carla and Barb made Halloween masks with the girls who enjoyed water coloring the wooden masks. Lots of Halloween candy was eaten by all along with plenty of soda.
Advocacy Update
“The Raising of America” Affordable Childcare event was held on September 30th at the DU campus. Sponsors were University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Women’s Collaborative of Colorado and Zonta.
A portion of the documentary, “Are We Crazy About Our Kids” was shown and an engaging panel including Louise Myrland of the Women’s Foundation, Bill Jaeger of the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Danielle Butler of the Early Childhood Council of Boulder County and Flor Marquez of Denver Early Childhood.
The documentary segment spoke to the economic benefits to the community when early childhood needs are met. No matter how much or how little was spent; children who participated in early childhood care did better in life in terms of education and employment. It was pointed out that society already pays for children who aren’t successful so why not put that money into early childhood in an effort to drive early success.
Louise discussed the work done by QualStar on the state of Childcare in Colorado. Their report can be accessed through www.wfco.org/pages/content/child-care-affordability-research. Bill discussed the challenges of legislative support in the state and frustration on corporate tax subsidies vs. using those funds for early childcare. Interesting perspectives came from Flor and Danielle on existing programs. Denver has begun working with many of the so-called “Friends and Family Network” providers who make up a large percentage of caregivers. The city has reached out to include these providers with training and support. Boulder is funding their Council with a mill levy voted in by voters (approximately $27/household), to support grants given to childcare providers. One of the challenges is that CCAP (government subsidized participants) does not cover the cost of care. That means that paying participants must cover the shortfall to keep the doors open. The grants are meant to help fund the gap. When questioned about middle class frustration in meeting the high costs without subsidies, Danielle stated that childcare is the single determining factor keeping the middle class and Cliff Effect families from thriving. Very powerful.
Sustainable Development Goals Discussion was held Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the World Trade Center Denver – 2650 E. 40th Ave. The speaker was Leslie Wright, Zonta UN Committee and she discussed the Goals, what they mean for the US, the progress made since Beijing and the Platform.
Thanks to everyone who signed up at the last meeting to participate in the 3rd Annual Bridging the Gap Thanksgiving Dinner on Tuesday November 17th at Mile High United Way, 711 Park Avenue West. Delightful Tori Black has taken a new position so we wish her well and look forward to working with Ann Maria Jones her successor at Bridging the Gap.
Anyone who wasn’t at the meeting or would like to be included in one of our most rewarding projects please let Suzanne or myself know. We are still looking for a few items that will need to be provided so if you can help, we would appreciate it!
Sharon Faircloth and Suzanne Fasing
Advocacy Committee
Finance Update
The Club’s annual holiday sales of poinsettias, greenery, Koeze’s products and Jerry’s Nuts and candies are in full swing. If you missed your emailed sales packets and instructions, please contact Pat Congleton or Ellen Fitzpatrick. Also, the order forms and product pictures will soon be available on the website under the Fundraising page.
‘Tis the Season… As you know, this is the Club’s second major fundraiser of the year, and we depend on the monies raised from the holiday sales to fund our many projects. So, to SELL, SELL, SELL!
Program Update
REMINDER: The October meeting date is October 29, 2015 – same time, same place. Suzanne Fasing will be giving a report on Zonta International and an update on the International service projects. [See Carol L. at the next meeting if you see this note!] Please let Emma Hanson know no later than Monday, October 26 by 12:00 noon if you are unable to attend.
Mark your calendars because you do not want to miss the following other meetings:
NOVEMBER: Brad Wood, the Executive Director of Central Visitation Program (CVP) will be our guest speaker providing us with an update as to the status of one of our favorite service organizations.
DECEMBER: The Zonta Club of Denver II holiday party! This year the party will be held at Marcy O’Toole’s home located at 1025 Eldorado Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80021.
JANUARY: The combined Amelia Earhart / Area 3 meeting will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 and will be hosted by the Douglas County club. More details to follow.