A note from Nefertiti Long and Michelle Decker about the Women’s Giving Fund:
The 2023 Woman of Achievement: Jennifer O’Farrell, shown here with her husband and daughter
On Sunday, March 26, 2023, IECF hosted the Women’s Giving Fund Spring Fling and inaugural Woman of Achievement awards presentation with a banquet hall filled with compassionate, generous and inspiring women who enjoyed a bountiful brunch and joyful camaraderie. See the photos here!
Our guests were treated to a glimpse of the excellent work that’s been done on behalf of women and families just since our Fall Soiree. In October of 2022, three organizations received a total of $30,000 in grants, and have stewarded that money to provide life-giving services like housing, shelter and training to more than 500 individuals.
We introduced our five nominee finalists for the Woman of Achievement Award:
- Virginia Blumenthal, Blumenthal & Moore, Founding Attorney
- Eloise Gómez Reyes, California State Assemblymember, Majority Leader
- Jessica Munoz, Voices for Children, CEO and President
- Jennifer O’Farrell, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the IE, Chief External Affairs Officer
- Susan Ovitt, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, School Board Trustee
From this very impressive group of leaders, we named our inaugural recipient of the Woman of Achievement award: Jennifer O’Farrell! Along with the award, Jennifer received a check for $2,500 to be donated to the charity of her choice. “Jennifer is an inspirational and entrepreneurial leader in the social impact industry. For over 15 years, she has been a bridge builder, dedicating her life to eliminating poverty, reducing the opportunity gap, and creating a more equitable space for youth and families. She was the founder of the region’s first Big Brothers Big Sisters providing one-to-one mentoring services throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. During her tenure, the agency has provided over 4,200 children and youth with volunteer mentors.” (from Jennifer’s nomination form, submitted by a community member)
We were thrilled to announce that generous donors and sponsors gave an amazing $50,000 leading up to the Spring Fling. And of that, $22,000 is earmarked as matching funds. We invite you to stand with those who have donated and help us reach the goal of an additional $22,000. When you contribute $200 or more, you’ll have the gratifying experience of collaborating with us to nominate and select grantees for our 2023 Fall Soiree. Give all at once, or give a little each month – the online process is simple and convenient.
Your support opens the door to hope and new possibilities for women and families in the Inland Empire. We’re grateful to each of you for your investment in the priceless resources of economic security, safety and health for those who need it most.
With our sincere thanks,
| Nefertiti Long Michelle Decker IECF Board Chair IECF CEO & President Chair, Women’s Giving Fund |
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Photo Credit: https://www.mjeldermanphoto.com/ |