Making a Difference Luncheon Inspires Audience to Engage in Bold, Meaningful Conversations
about Ways to Make a Sustainable Impact in Chester County
The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls marked its 20th anniversary of serving local women and girls at the 13th Annual Making a Difference Luncheon on May 4 at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern. A lively crowd of 300 community leaders and individuals gathered to recognize the power of CCFWG’s impact over the past 20 years, honor the advocacy of community member Susan Elko and lean into a bold future for local women and girls.
Philadelphia-based female drumline, Drum Like a Lady, infused rhythm and energy into the celebration, passing out drums to engage the crowd. The musicians also ushered guests into the ballroom through song and dance to mark the start of the program.
A video commemorating CCFWG’s 20-year history opened the reception, harkening back to the origins of an organization that grew out of conversations among friends at kitchen tables across the county. In the video, women from all generations gathered once again around the kitchen table to honor the past and discuss issues facing their sisters, friends, daughters and communities today.
CCFWG Executive Director Michelle Legaspi Sánchez (left) is joined by keynote speaker Tynesha McHarris, Kitchen Table Award winner Susan Elko, Board Member and Luncheon Chair Pattie Diggin and Board Member and Luncheon Co-Chair Denise Wine.
Keynote speaker Tynesha McHarris, Program Officer of Advancing Adolescent Girls’ Rights at the NoVo Foundation, highlighted Chester County’s deep abolitionist roots to celebrate the historic bravery of residents in having tough conversations about issues affecting their communities. She also reminded the audience of the need to focus on women and girls of color, the most vulnerable in our communities, because among the most vulnerable lies the greatest power and opportunity to thrive.
CCFWG also presented Susan Elko, a long-time social change advocate in Chester County, with the 2018 Kitchen Table Award, named in celebration of the many conversations among founders held around kitchen, board and coffee tables. She dedicated the award to the countless young girls, teachers, families and youth she has impacted throughout her 30 years of service to Chester County, including members of the Girls Advisory Board (GAB), CCFWG’s girls grantmaking program that Susan helped establish 14 years ago. In closing, she shared wisdom gained from her experiences in the non-profit and local communities: “hold close those who nourish you, be part of a group because community is critical, and speak your truth with compassion.”
“The Luncheon was a proud day for the Fund. We brought together voices and experiences of amazing women while raising dollars to ensure our critical mission will continue to be supported for the next twenty years and beyond. We are grateful to the many who made this event and our work possible,” said CCFWG Executive Director, Michelle Legaspi Sánchez.
GAB alumnae Julia Fogarty (left) and Carlee Warfield presented honoree Susan Elko with flowers following her remarks.
Since 1996, CCFWG has distributed nearly $3 million in grants to 71 regional nonprofit agencies to support women and girls. After 20 years, it remains a bold, strategic and creative leader in uniting community partners and individuals around a shared commitment to women, girls and their families.
Generous support for this event was provided by: Barbara Jordan; Chase Law Group, LLC; Land Services USA; Silverang, Donohoe, Rosenzweig & Haltzman; West Pharmaceutical; Franny and Franny Abbott; Jennifer and Bob McNeil, On Behalf of Coatesville Youth Initiative; Mary Lou Sterge; Bradford White; Brumbaugh Wealth Management; Meridian Bank; Mill Creek Capital Advisors; Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, LLP; Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express; WSFS Bank; Tim and Judi Bell; Michael and Nancy McClelland; Cate and Tom Sennett; Denise Wine, Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors LLC; Nora Alvarez; Aqua America; BBD, LLP; Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning; Brite Realty Services; Pam Bryer; Jennifer Byrne; Center for the Advancement of Girls; Chesterbrook Academy; Clarion Law; Connie Fogarty; Countryside Consulting; Mike Diggin, Town & Country Re-Max; First Presbyterian Church of West Chester; First Resource Bank; Ann and Steven Hutton; Manito Abstract Company, Inc.; Bill and Beth McGarrigle; Monarch Staffing; The Moran Group, Merrill Lynch; Mary Beth Morrissey; Moira and Ken Mumma; Poretta & Orr; Rothman Institute; William L. Schultz and Patricia B. Miller; and TD Bank.