The holidays are a time when people seem to give the most generously of themselves in so many ways. Unfortunately, the need continues to exist for people and organizations everywhere, even after the calendar turns over a new leaf. After the gifts are all unwrapped, and the colored lights are packed away until next year, there is still plenty of time and plenty of necessity for those who wish to give of themselves. Sometimes it's money, sometimes it's time, sometimes it's a hand or an ear or a voice. This week we will talk to a variety of people who are giving in some way, or making it possible for others to do so. So spread the word, share the information, and by all means if you possibly can... give!
Photo courtesy of Erica Conway What is the name of the organization that you run?
"The Women’s Club of Broadmoor."
*Co-Presidents Angela Wilbert and Erica Conway*
(Broadmoor is a residential community located in Gloucester Township, NJ)
How did you come to be involved with them?
Erica: "My husband grew up in Broadmoor and when I first visited this development, I fell in love. After moving into the development shortly after having my second son, I knew I wanted to be involved in all the wonderful activities the Women’s Club assisted with. I joined my first year of moving into the development in 2007. This past May, I became Co-President and have been very happy and honored to be apart of a great organization with fabulous members."
Angela: "I lived in Broadmoor my whole life and my husband, growing up close by, had many friends in Broadmoor. We could not think of a better neighborhood and community to raise our three children. Growing up in Broadmoor, I had first hand experience with all the wonderful activities the club provided for the children of the neighborhood and wanted to be apart of keeping these traditions. In May, I joined an outstanding group of women on the executive board and became Co-President. I consider myself very lucky and proud to be a part of a wonderful organization with so many amazing people."
How many women are currently involved?
"To date we have 91 members and 21 business sponsors involved with our organization who assist the club in various ways for our activities and events."
"The Women’s Club of Broadmoor."
*Co-Presidents Angela Wilbert and Erica Conway*
(Broadmoor is a residential community located in Gloucester Township, NJ)
How did you come to be involved with them?
Erica: "My husband grew up in Broadmoor and when I first visited this development, I fell in love. After moving into the development shortly after having my second son, I knew I wanted to be involved in all the wonderful activities the Women’s Club assisted with. I joined my first year of moving into the development in 2007. This past May, I became Co-President and have been very happy and honored to be apart of a great organization with fabulous members."
Angela: "I lived in Broadmoor my whole life and my husband, growing up close by, had many friends in Broadmoor. We could not think of a better neighborhood and community to raise our three children. Growing up in Broadmoor, I had first hand experience with all the wonderful activities the club provided for the children of the neighborhood and wanted to be apart of keeping these traditions. In May, I joined an outstanding group of women on the executive board and became Co-President. I consider myself very lucky and proud to be a part of a wonderful organization with so many amazing people."
How many women are currently involved?
"To date we have 91 members and 21 business sponsors involved with our organization who assist the club in various ways for our activities and events."
What kind of charitable activities do you engage in throughout the year?
"The Women’s Club has been very active in the community for years. This year we added a few charitable events that we feel are important.
Back-To-School Supply Drive:
We hosted a back-to-school supply drive for our local public school which provided approximately 20 backpacks filled with supplies for each grade level (PK-5th grades).
Cookies for Kids Cancer Bake Sale:
During our Annual Halloween Parade we hosted a Cookies for Kids Cancer bake sale at our local park. Members donated baked goods and we raised $500 for childhood cancer. We split the donations to assist a local family with a child who was diagnosed with cancer and with 'Cookies for Kids Cancer Foundation' to assist with research.
Drink for Pink Wine Tour:
Our club has sponsored a team, Bosom Broads of Broadmoor, for the Susan G. Komen 3 day Walk. As a fundraiser, we hosted a bus trip to brunch and to 3 local wineries. We raised approximately $500 and all the proceeds were donated to the Susan G. Komen 3 day.
Food Pantry Donations:
At our last official meeting of the year we collected donations for a local food pantry. With our donations from our members we were able to fill their pantry right before the holidays.
Adopt-A-Family:
Having a public school in our backyard gives our club a great way to assist local families. Together members were able to sponsor a family and purchase needed items to help during this special time (the holidays).
National Night Out: We celebrated National Night Out in August with a community-wide block party, including a DJ, a bounce house, games, food, and more.
Most of our funds being raised for our charities, activities and yearly scholarships are through our memberships and business sponsors."
What inspired you to start taking on various charity projects?
Erica: "As a former volunteer coordinator for a local university, I had experience in local organizations that need assistance and being a mother of 4, my heart always goes out to children and women in need. Philanthropy has always been a passion of mine so when I became co-president this past May; I knew this would be a great way to give back to the community."
Angela: "I have always been happy to donate my time and assistance in volunteer groups and being a part of the club has allowed me to see the benefits of giving back to community. Being a part of such an outstanding executive board, I can see the potential our club can accomplish with the hard wok of its members and allow us to expand our charity further than our own neighborhood."
"The Women’s Club has been very active in the community for years. This year we added a few charitable events that we feel are important.
Back-To-School Supply Drive:
We hosted a back-to-school supply drive for our local public school which provided approximately 20 backpacks filled with supplies for each grade level (PK-5th grades).
Cookies for Kids Cancer Bake Sale:
During our Annual Halloween Parade we hosted a Cookies for Kids Cancer bake sale at our local park. Members donated baked goods and we raised $500 for childhood cancer. We split the donations to assist a local family with a child who was diagnosed with cancer and with 'Cookies for Kids Cancer Foundation' to assist with research.
Drink for Pink Wine Tour:
Our club has sponsored a team, Bosom Broads of Broadmoor, for the Susan G. Komen 3 day Walk. As a fundraiser, we hosted a bus trip to brunch and to 3 local wineries. We raised approximately $500 and all the proceeds were donated to the Susan G. Komen 3 day.
Food Pantry Donations:
At our last official meeting of the year we collected donations for a local food pantry. With our donations from our members we were able to fill their pantry right before the holidays.
Adopt-A-Family:
Having a public school in our backyard gives our club a great way to assist local families. Together members were able to sponsor a family and purchase needed items to help during this special time (the holidays).
National Night Out: We celebrated National Night Out in August with a community-wide block party, including a DJ, a bounce house, games, food, and more.
Most of our funds being raised for our charities, activities and yearly scholarships are through our memberships and business sponsors."
What inspired you to start taking on various charity projects?
Erica: "As a former volunteer coordinator for a local university, I had experience in local organizations that need assistance and being a mother of 4, my heart always goes out to children and women in need. Philanthropy has always been a passion of mine so when I became co-president this past May; I knew this would be a great way to give back to the community."
Angela: "I have always been happy to donate my time and assistance in volunteer groups and being a part of the club has allowed me to see the benefits of giving back to community. Being a part of such an outstanding executive board, I can see the potential our club can accomplish with the hard wok of its members and allow us to expand our charity further than our own neighborhood."
Is there anything coming up in the near future?
"We are currently planning a volunteer opportunity at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey located in Camden, NJ. We will be providing dinner to 21 families that are residing there while their children are receiving treatment at the local hospitals."
Is there any way for people who wish to help out when you are fundraising to get in touch with you?
"We can easily be reached at [email protected] and we would be happy to accept donations for any of our charity activities."
Do you need to be a member to get involved?
"Since memberships are our main source for funding many of our activities, events and charities, we encourage our community members of Broadmoor and surrounding neighbors to become official members. However, we are always open to anyone joining us at our many activities and events throughout the year. Another great way to be involved is for local businesses to become business sponsors. Our business sponsors are included in our bi-annual newsletter, social media pages and at our activities. Our community consists of approximately 1000 homes."
(You do not have to be a Broadmoor resident to be a business sponsor.)
"We are currently planning a volunteer opportunity at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey located in Camden, NJ. We will be providing dinner to 21 families that are residing there while their children are receiving treatment at the local hospitals."
Is there any way for people who wish to help out when you are fundraising to get in touch with you?
"We can easily be reached at [email protected] and we would be happy to accept donations for any of our charity activities."
Do you need to be a member to get involved?
"Since memberships are our main source for funding many of our activities, events and charities, we encourage our community members of Broadmoor and surrounding neighbors to become official members. However, we are always open to anyone joining us at our many activities and events throughout the year. Another great way to be involved is for local businesses to become business sponsors. Our business sponsors are included in our bi-annual newsletter, social media pages and at our activities. Our community consists of approximately 1000 homes."
(You do not have to be a Broadmoor resident to be a business sponsor.)
