20/20 Vision Campaign Huge Success
In celebration of their 20th Anniversary in 2017, the Women’s Fund of Portage County announced an ambitious goal to raise their endowment to $1 million dollars by 2020.
“Even through a pandemic, these strong, determined women pushed hard to get our endowment to $1 million by the end of 2020,” said Beth McBride, Women’s Fund Board President, “It wasn’t easy, but we believed in our mission and persevered.”
Beth adds, “Today, we celebrate with all of the donors and volunteers who have come together to reach a goal, a dream never thought possible – a one-million-dollar fund created by women for women and children.”
Since their first grant in 1998, the Women’s Fund has provided over $640,000 in grants to women and children in Portage County.
“Our goal has always been to support those programs that help women and their children when they need us most so they can become stronger, more self-sufficient, confident, and successful,” said Kelly Caughlan, advisor to the Women’s Fund since 1997.
The fund has supported skills enhancement, leadership development and scholarships for single moms and cribs, clothing and diapers for babies in need. The Women’s Fund has invested in women’s health by supporting the breast cancer center, Family Crisis Center, wellness workshops and designated breastfeeding areas within our community. Over 60 agencies have received financial support from the Women’s Fund of Portage County over the past 24 years.
Ann Shannon, who was the Executive Director of the Community Foundation when the Women’s Fund was established in 1997, provided the final match gift to help the fund hit their $1 million dollar goal. Shannon has been actively involved in the Women’s Fund over the past 24 years and had this to say about finally reaching the $1 million dollar goal.
“This incredible journey has been filled with fortitude and patience. I always trusted that the women of this community would achieve greatness by building this historic and impressive endowed fund for the women and children of Portage County,” said Shannon.
Be a part of the Women’s Fund
There are many women and children right here in Portage County that need your help. Any act of kindness, small or large, is never wasted. Join together with other women to make a difference right here in Portage County. Your generosity is always appreciated.
Donations may be sent to:
Women’s Fund of Portage County
c/o Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin
1501 Clark Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Or online at: www.tinyurl.com/womensfundpc
Pictured from Left to Right:
Kelly Caughlan – Women’s Fund Advisor, Beth McBride – Women’s Fund Board President, Lorraine Avery – Women’s Fund Past Board President, Ann Shannon – Fund Founder and Matching Gift Donor, and Jessica Hoerter – Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin Women’s Fund Coordinator
“This incredible journey has been filled with fortitude and patience. I always trusted that the women of this community would achieve greatness by building this historic and impressive endowed fund for the women and children of Portage County.”
— Ann Shannon
Fund Founder