On Aug. 21, a small group of Johns Hopkins women
gathered in the Evergreen Carriage House around tables
decorated with Beanie Babies and children's castles for the
inaugural annual luncheon for WINGS, a society of women
philanthropists who lend their energy, expertise and
generosity to improve the lives of women and children in
the region.
Established last year through United Way of Central
Maryland, WINGS--which stands for Women's Initiative Next
Generations--provides avenues for women of various ages and
financial abilities to become involved in their community
as "philanthropists," even if they cannot give large
amounts of money. WINGS offers opportunities to tour,
volunteer or serve on the boards of directors of central
Maryland social service agencies oriented toward the
welfare of children and women. Through the Lend a Heart
project, WINGS members also "adopt" a local agency.
To encourage involvement by women of various financial
abilities, WINGS membership can be attained two ways: by
giving a leadership level gift of $1,000 or more to United
Way of Central Maryland, or by donating a gift of any size
beyond her normal United Way contribution to the Lend a
Heart project.
Beth Rosenwald, chair of the WINGS program of central
Maryland and a Legg Mason financial adviser, spoke at the
luncheon about the significant impact women make by being
directly involved in community programs such as day care
centers and women's shelters. As a financial adviser to her
own children as well as to her many clients, Rosenwald
described how she taught each child to set aside a portion
of his or her weekly allowance to give to children in
need.
Those attending the luncheon brought donations of
books and toys for St. Jerome's Head Start, a United Way
agency that this year had to eliminate its toddler program
because of funding cuts.
--Caterina Provost-Smith
For more information about WINGS, go to
www.jhu.edu/unitedway or contact Lesley Giles at
lgiles2@jhu.edu or
410-516-0373.
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