Fund for Women assists women, girls
Every time a bell rang at the Independence Hall Clubhouse in Millsboro, the Sussex County Fund for Women had gained another founder, and a cheer arose from the crowd.
Women from throughout the county gathered April 12 for the Fund for Women fashion show, “Fashion, Fun, and Philanthropy.” Featuring clothing and accessories from local boutiques and catered by Patty’s Catering of Georgetown, the show sought to attract new founders – members who have pledged $1,000 to the fund.
The FFW is an endowment that awards grants to nonprofit agencies supporting women and girls. Since its creation in 1993, the fund has awarded over $2 million to nonprofits statewide. In 2014, the FFW awarded more than $165,000 to 17 nonprofits, including La Red Health Center, Laurel Public Library and Habitat for Humanity, all in Sussex County.
The positive energy was contagious as women gathered at Independence Hall. FFW Sussex County Development Committee Chair Lynn Kokojohn welcomed the guests to the main event: the fashion show.
“We get so many applicants,” Kokojohn told the audience, “Yet we can only fund 15 percent, currently. More founders equals more grants. Make your pledge today!”
The show featured items from Coolspring Cottage, Josephine’s Daughter, Lady Fenwick, Twila Farrell, Deanna’s, Simply Dressed and Candlelight Bridal. Each of the models were FFW founders, with hair styling and makeup donated by Bad Hair Day, Bling Salon and Spa and Stephen and Co. Salon.
In between fashion segments, Kokojohn introduced single mother Cheryl Vogl. who will soon be the recipient of a Sussex County Habitat for Humanity home, benefiting from the fund's donation to Habitat last year. Her son, Silas, age 4, suffers from rare disorder called histiocytosis.
While the atmosphere was fun, the mood turned somber for a moment as Vogl told her story.
“I can’t tell you what it means to have a stable place to live in our lives,” Vogl said.
Mary Kay Rosalie of La Red Health Center, which recently expanded to Seaford, also spoke to express gratitude.
At the end of the event, Kokojohn handed the reins of Sussex County Development Committee Chair over to Judy Mellen.
“I love working with this group of women. I’ve been working with them for six years, and we do it well. They’re all awfully nice people,” Mellen said.
As part of the Delaware Community Foundation, the Fund for Women puts founders’ money in an endowment fund where it is invested. A portion is donated each year in accordance with the foundation’s recommendation.
Kokojohn said nearly all of the money invested goes towards charitable donations. The group is all-volunteer with one part-time administrative worker. Events like the fashion show are paid for by ticket purchases.
For more information about the Fund for Women, visit http://www.delcf.org/ffw or email info@defundforwomen.com.
