Circle of Women Celebrates the Work of an Extraordinary Organization

Last Tuesday, I spent a few hours with approximately 50 other women who are involved in the efforts for the YWCA of Minneapolis Circle of Women event being held in May. Not only were there attendees from the board and planning committee, but we also got to meet some of the YWCA’s exceptional supporters who have already signed up for a table at the event. These are the good friends who, as Table Captains, Hosts and Sponsors, ensure that we fill the room by recruiting close friends and colleagues to join their tables. These individuals are the heart of the event.

We gathered to network, nibble on goodies from Salsa a la Salsa, and get a sneak preview of some of the amazing donated silent auction items available at this year's auction. (Tiffany coin purse, anyone?)  Watch for the online preview, starting April 5. But, best of all, we learned even more about the good work being done by the YWCA -- work that was already on the cutting edge of women's, children's and racial justice issues at the end of the 19thCentury, and continues to be important to our community today.My role as a Table Captain committee co-chair has been so worthwhile -- not only have I met some of the most engaged women in the Twin Cities, but I've been able to learn more about this extraordinary organization.  A few interesting tidbits you might not know:

• In 1903, the YWCA moves to the first Minneapolis building owned and operated by women.
• In 1945, the YWCA offers the first racially integrated pool in the Twin Cities.
• The YWCA works with more than 1,500 urban youth each year; in 2010, 94% were youth of color and 89% received free or reduced lunch.
• The YWCA’s current commitment to early childhood education results in our preschoolers being fully proficient in 90% of rigorous school readiness indicators compared with 53% of their peers across Minnesota.
• Last year, the YWCA was honored with the 2011 Nonprofit Excellence Award, one of the highest awards a nonprofit can achieve.

A limited number of tables are still available for this inspirational event!  To get involved, contact Sarah at sraser@ywcampls.org or 612-215-4167, and find more information at www.ywcampls.org/circle. I look forward to seeing you at Circle of Women in May!