GLCF’S Women Working Wonders Fund Made 15 Years of History

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“Well behaved women seldom make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Lowell, MA – More than 120 guests gathered at Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro on April 30th to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund and applaud past successes, present good fortune, and the future of women in philanthropy.

The WWW Crystal Campaign event raised $246,015 to surpass an endowment campaign goal of $1 million to ensure the future success of WWW and provide the means by which women can engage actively and meaningfully in the community.

“What a wonderful and exciting evening! Lowell has had a history of generous, progressive thinking women, and this group is continuing that legacy,” noted Terry O’Connor, one of WWW’s founders and WWW Crystal Campaign event co-chair. “A dream has come true! Be proud of your power,” said Brenda Costello, another of WWW’s founders.

What began in 2004 as a small group of women coming together to found a collective giving organization focused on women’s issues now has made 36 grants of $5000 to organizations supporting women and girls in the Greater Lowell area, creating positive change in countless lives!

“I think back to 2004 when the leadership group of thirteen women gathered to figure out how to launch this idea,” said Linda Chemaly, one of WWW’s founders and WWW Crystal Campaign event co-chair. “Now with over a million dollars in our endowment, I look around this room and see all the young faces and feel this amazing energy and I think job well done! Thank you!”

A fund within the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, the Women Working Wonders Fund supports programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. The Crystal Campaign event held on April 30th was in addition to WWW’s signature “Power of the Purse” event held annually in October.

“On behalf of our trustees, we are grateful to all of the women who have the courage to make waves in order to help women and girls in our community thrive,” said Bopha Malone, WWW board president. “We are also appreciative of the opportunities to learn from our founding mothers, and look forward to developing future women leaders as well as continuing to support organizations that empower women and girls to reach their full potential.”

WWW provides grants in three key areas that:

1.     Assist Women in Transition
Forty years of research shows that social investments in women reduce poverty, raise productivity and accelerate economic growth. This Fund will encourage women to build on their strengths and increase self-worth. In addition, a higher level of self-esteem will be passed along to future generations.

2.     Provide Leadership Development
The Women Working Wonders Fund will support organizations and activities that contribute to leadership development in girls and women.

3.     Contribute to the Beautification of the Environment
The Women Working Wonders Fund will support environmental beautification projects that provide a platform for women to showcase their commitment to maintaining the distinct character of their community.

WWW Power of the Purse 2019 is October 24, 2019. Tickets will go on sale soon! For information about WWW and the upcoming event, visit https://www.womenworkingwondersfund.com/

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