SECOND QUARTER GRANT AWARD… The PIP’s second quarter grant went to Kaleb McLaughlin’s Ride to Remember. The $6,475 grant will go towards supporting those affected by organ transplants.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The Power in the Purse (PIP), a women’s giving circle, began their meeting on April 25th around 7:30 p.m. after enjoying a social hour.
Cheryl Andres shared that PIP is up to 96 members, with two added that night, and shared that PIP is now up to eight business sponsorships.
She noted that PIP is more than happy to speak at Sunday schools, business offices, and other places, and ask that people reach out to organize public speaking events. Also noted was the active Facebook page before the evening’s guests were introduced.
Everyone is encouraged to bring friends, in an effort to expand the impact that PIP can have. All meetings begin with a social hour at 6:30, with meetings starting at 7:30, and ending by 8:30 p.m.
The PIP Advisory Board members serve 2-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. This year’s board is made of Cheryl Andres, chair; Lora Manon, vice chair; Kathy Smith, secretary; Shirley Fry, treasurer; Karin Bowers, publicity director; Jeanette Roberts, program director; Jody Freeman, at large; Jo Ann Luce, at large; and Jenny Horn, BAF representative.
This year will see PIP meeting again on July 29, 2024 and October 31, 2024. The nomination process for charities was explained to the new members, and then the process began.
The first nomination was just started Catholic Charities, who are now set to help those in crisis, without judging “what determines a crisis” for those in need.
They help with utilities, groceries, and other needs, regardless of the faith of those in need. This funding would help them to give aid to those who live outside of city limits with a maximum of $100.
The next nomination was United Way of Williams County, which is celebrating their 30-year anniversary this year. United Way, “in a nutshell, is the conduit to and the heart of the non-profits here in Williams County,” with an overall mission to better the lives of those in Williams County.
This year saw $124,000 given to outside charities, with three internal charities being run as well. This year, United Way is working to create more options for low-income housing and perhaps develop a larger homeless shelter.
It was shared that there are at least almost 120 houseless individuals in Williams County, with their most recent program working to help school kids access food and personal hygiene supplies, as a “huge number of kids in this community go without basic essentials.” The money, if awarded, would go to their most recent project.
They do consistent fundraising efforts, including supply raising, and partner with local businesses to raise funds.
The third nomination was the Kaleb McLaughlin Ride to Remember, founded by Kevin and Kim Oxender after the loss of their son, to spread awareness to organ donation, in 2014.
In 2021, they became a 501(c)3. They have since helped to purchase life-saving equipment, educational items, and transplant services.
If received, the funds would go towards helping to support those affected by the transplant process, with the next Ride to Remember planned for July 13th.
Then, Bryan Bear Bags, who won in 2023, came in to share that the number of students requesting a bag this past fall started at 80, with the numbers staying there.
Faced with inflation, the grant awarded to PIP was used to help continue the program and were “overwhelmed with gratitude” for the grant.
It helped provide immediate assistance to provide students with food, provided funds to continue the program, as well as secured enough funds to help start the program for next year.
They thanked PIP and their members for their donation before Pheba Banerjee-Sam from The Sanctuary came in.
She shared how the funds helped them to expand their services, with it being shared that childcare alone can often eat up families’ incomes, leaving them unable to pay their bills.
She shared how moved she was that “God provided” through the PIP members, with the grant they received at the beginning of 2024 being just enough for what they needed.
Pheba continued to share some of their success stories and noted that they would love to start spreading awareness of homelessness and the plight of those affected with the county’s residents that may have been sheltered from the harsh traumas that result in homelessness.
Pheba continued to share that they would be more than happy to come speak at varying locations to help spread awareness to the issue, and that those interested in having a speaker should reach out.
The door prize winner was then drawn, with Deb Opdycke winning the drawing. News of a May 4th Cinco de Mayo celebration was then shared, with the proceeds going to the First Presbyterian Church to help with their mission efforts.
Bryan Rotary is having their casino night and auction on May 4th at the Bryan Eagles, with tickets running $50 per person.
May 4th will also see The Royal Tea at 10 a.m., with Pheba Banerjee-Sam as the featured speaker. May 8th will see a Garth Brooks tribute community concert, at the Bryan Arts and Education Center.
The last Williams County Fair Foundation fish fry is set for May 10th, with it costing $10 an adult while supplies last. May 16th will see the annual Chocolate Walk along the square.
Everyone was reminded to invite a friend to the next meeting before members gathered to take photos with this quarter’s grant winner, Kaleb McLaughlin’s Ride to Remember.