In 2004 Ellie Beaver, Executive Director of the Centre County United Way, attended a National United Way Conference and learned about the concept of the Women’s Leadership Initiative and the Power of the Purse. She started researching the information on the Women’s Leadership Initiatives throughout the country. She was so excited by the concept of women making their own decisions on charitable giving separate from their husbands. She was equally excited about the concept of a “Separate Campaign” with a separate designated fund with the money being used for issues related to women and children. But along with the excitement was a concern that the money raised through the initiative would not detract one single cent from an annual general campaign...and it doesn't!
Ellie rallied women in leadership positions across the county to join the group and over the past 18 years the group members, focus, functions, and requirements for membership have evolved. One thing that has stayed the same is the committment to the women and children of Centre County.
Currently a woman qualifies for membership by contributing $1000 annually or $500 a year for 5 years to the general campaign plus additional support for special projects. This additional support can be in the form of Time, Talent, and Treasure For more information about becoming a member, please contact Ja Nae Wian at 814-238-8283.
Read more about this dedicated group of Centre County Women HERE.