Planting Seeds

Dear friends,

Earlier this month, the Women's Caring Program heard from Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO of Truscott Rossman, one of Michigan's premier public relations firms. Today, we hear from Tiffany Dowling, publisher of Capital Area Women's LifeStyle Magazine and chief conversation starter of the firm she founded, Motion Marketing & Media. 

What do these two women have in common? Well, both are based in Lansing, MI; both are independent businesswomen, at the top of their game, leading their wildly successful businesses; and both are respected businesswomen who give back to their community in spades. But you know what else they have in common? As young women, they both faced tremendous challenges - as so many of us did and still do - starting at the bottom of the ladder, while figuring out how to best care for their children while also needing to work. And, perhaps not so coincidentally, both have been major supporters of ChildCare Commitment over the years.

Thank you, Tiffany and Kelly, for sharing your stories with us. So many of us have been where you have been; many of us are still there. The Women's Caring Program champions the quality care and education for children ages 0-5 because we want to embrace, if only through a scholarship, the women and families who are currently going through challenges similar to Tiffany and Kelly - challenges that can be overcome by the helping hand that ChildCare Commitment provides.

Thank you, girlfriends -- and guyfriends -- everywhere, for your kind and compassionate support this holiday season!

Maureen McNulty Saxton

WCP Board Member 

Some people say that life doesn't give you more than you can handle. I would agree. However, I've certainly been tested.

It all started for me in college. As we all know, college is a place for learning and boy, did I receive an education. Although, I ended up with a degree in journalism and public relations the real knowledge came from life experiences.

When you least expect it, circumstances can turn you upside down. One minute you're in class pontificating on how no one makes any money in the field of journalism and the next you're wondering how you'll actually be a reporter with a baby on the way. I was 21 years old and faced with some tough decisions. After a break-up with my boyfriend, I decided I could make it all work. But to be honest, I was extremely anxious about it.

At the time, I was going to school and doing pretty well. I had taken out student loans to pay for classes and was working as a part-time writer at the Public Information Office on campus, as well as waiting tables to make ends meet. Overall, I was doing all right. I certainly wasn't well off, but what college student is? There is nothing that makes you analyze your financial situation more than being a single mother-to-be. Even with its challenges, I was determined to make it all work.

Frankly, I had a lot of pressure on me. I'm from a family where I was going to be the very first college graduate; a badge I was very proud to wear. However, when my parents learned I was pregnant, they were convinced that their dreams of my education were over. Although I didn't know how I was going to keep my apartment, my two jobs, go to classes, do homework and ultimately figure out how to support my new baby, I was confident that I was going to do everything possible to see this commitment through.

I didn't realize at the time that so many policies and systems that adults had designed and implemented throughout our great state for decades would be so complicated and difficult to maneuver. Luckily, I did have support from my family and friends. Because of my earnings (next to nothing), I was eligible for various services. I signed up for food assistance and cash assistance and, of course, health insurance. I was thankful that the assistance was there. After all, I wasn't going to need it for very long. I would graduate from college in one year.

Throughout my pregnancy, I continued going to classes, showing up for my writing job and waiting tables. It wasn't easy. I don't know if it was the stress or morning sickness, but I was ill all the time ... morning, noon and night. When my bouncing baby boy arrived in March, that's when the real fun began. 

It was in the middle of the semester and I had to have a cesarean section. Although I was supposed to have eight weeks off, I took two and a half and went back to school. I ended up very sick, but there was no time to waste. This little guy was going to need support and I was determined to take the best possible care of him.

Now that Kyle had arrived, I had to make sure he was taken care of when I continued classes and work. He was a great study buddy and frankly, I think that he helped me a ton because I read my textbooks out loud to him during his first year. And, it really helped my grades.

To help make ends meet, my good friend from high school moved in with me. I was going to Eastern and she was going to U of M. She graciously offered to set her classes at different times from mine to aid in the daycare situation and my parents drove back and forth from Detroit to help when they could. Paying for daycare, even with the State's help, would not have been feasible for me.

During my last semester of school, I opted to take 22 credits (yes, that's eight classes) in order to graduate and begin my career in journalism. With that much work and my son, I needed some additional financial support. Unfortunately, when I turned to the system, I was told that in order to get additional assistance I would need to either drop out of school or quit the writing job that would help me succeed after college. When I tried to explain that what they were saying was in direct conflict to my life goals and the ability to care for my son long term, it just didn't matter. I was left with no assistance and even more determination.

By Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO, Truscott Rossman, Lansing

It's hard to believe it anymore, but when I first became a mom in 1978, quality licensed childcare was practically an oxymoron. There were very few licensed child care centers available at the time so most working moms did what I did: I either hired a "nanny" (an absolute and costly disaster the three out of four times I tried it) or relied on the stay-at-home moms in my neighborhood, who were almost always saints. But sainted stay-at-home-moms are not akin to quality childcare givers who even have lesson plans for "the baby room."  (On the other hand, my son could recite verbatim the latest soap opera drama on TV - much to my amusement and embarrassment.)

I experienced a second round of childcare options in the '90s, when my three younger children were born. The options available were wonderful - licensed quality day care was close to home, it was close to work, it was close to anything and everything. My kids were in great learning environments ­- even when they transitioned to before- and after-school care.

Childcare is a great equalizer. You can be the CEO of a company (I am) or a 9-5 secretary (I was), and you are still at the mercy of a snow day, a crazy parent-teacher conference schedule, or half-day kindergarten. 

Being a working parent more than 30 years ago was not the badge of honor it is now. As a young working mom trying to gain a foothold as a professional, I made up excuses so that I could leave the office in time to pick up my son Alex. Now parents - especially dads - don't think twice about leaving a meeting to pick up their children at day care.

PHOTOS:   1) Alex and Kelly in the '80s.  2)  Alex today at a recent WCP event in Lansing

The Consumers Energy Foundation recently awarded $21,000 to the Women's Caring Program to provide scholarships that will help young children in Mason and Tuscola counties prepare for kindergarten.  

The grant will cover 10 one-year scholarships for children ages 0-5 as part of the ChildCare Commitment, WCP's signature program. The group will work with local Great Start organizations to match the scholarships to families in those two counties.

Carolyn Bloodworth, the secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation, said the grant for Mason and Tuscola counties fits well with the foundation's ongoing early childhood initiative.

"We want children to get a good start in life, and the latest research shows the earlier that we can get them started with the lifelong process of learning, the better it is for the children," Bloodworth said. "We're pleased to have this opportunity to support the Women's Caring Program and the important early childhood work that it is doing in Mason and Tuscola counties."

WCP's ChildCare Commitment helps Michigan's disadvantaged children prepare for kindergarten by providing financial support for quality childcare and early childhood education for children in low-income working families. These basics in the formative years are key to strong academic performance and future work-life success.

"Many thanks to Consumers for offering this wonderful opportunity to children in working families where parents may not be able to afford quality, licensed child care. These dollars will make a difference in the lives of young children,'' said Colleen Robar, WCP president.

"Research has conclusively shown that when at-risk children start kindergarten behind their middle class peers, they almost never catch up.  Quality early care and education enhances a child's school performance and work-life success.  The single most important factor in improving a child's ability to be successful and productive is a quality education, starting at 0-5.

"The need for quality early childhood education has never been greater in our state," added Robar.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy. It provides funding for a variety of areas including education, community and civic development, culture and the arts, social services, the environment, and emerging issues. Michigan nonprofit organizations received more than $5 million in 2010 through the Consumers Energy Foundation, the company, corporate donor-advised funds and employee and retiree contributions.  

For more information about the Consumers Energy Foundation visit: www.consumersenergy.com/foundation.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Board member Valerie Brader one of Crain's 40 Under 40

Dedicated WCP board member Valerie Brader was named one of Crain's Detroit Business' 2011 40 Under 40.  The recognition honors 40 of southeast Michigan's best and brightest who have made their marks in business before age 40.

As the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's chief energy policy officer, Valerie works closely with the Michigan Governor's office, the Michigan Energy Office and MEDC business development and entrepreneur services groups to make energy policy recommendations for the state.  Read more about her achievement -packed career here. Congratulations, Valerie!

Grosse Pointe Twilight Gathering sells out.

By Melissa Cragg, WCP board member

I hosted the Grosse Pointe party on Thurs., July 14.  Everything worked out perfectly.  The weather was outstanding, the food was scrumptious, the servers were delightful, the music uplifting, and more than 100 WCP friends - new and old - gathered together.  A special shout-out goes to Mollie Fletcher who organized an amazing silent auction consisting of over thirty hand-made items donated by WCP friends who weave, knit, blow glass, and make jewelry.

We raised over $10,000 that night and had fun, too!  Thanks go to all that attended, worked and made the evening successful. 

Long-time TG participants host second annual Traverse City gathering

By Debi Hart

WCP's second Traverse City Twilight Gathering on Wed., July 13, was a robust and inspiring blend of the organization's roots and branches of new growth. Three of the women from the very earliest days of the original Lansing-based "wine after work" parties traveled to Traverse City from their now-scattered addresses downstate to hold a mini reunion with two other of the earliest attendees, now turned Traverse City co-hostesses, Gwen Stireman and Sharon Workman and to meet new friends from "up north."

The setting of the Great Lakes Children's Museum, an interactive hands-on learning center, was the perfect place to emphasize the organization's mission of early childcare and education. Mary Manner, Connie Nelson, Shawn Smith and Pam Stanley were the other very active, gracious and delightful co-hostesses. The mini-reunion included one of the shorts-clad male wine servers, Wayne Workman, who has donned a WCP apron for the past 16 years. Bill Stireman, Andy Sitreman and Randy Keissel were handsome new "wine-tender" additions.

"It was a beautiful summer night with a lively group of fascinating women, fantastic food and served a great cause, which will have direct local impact on families with young children," said Shawn Smith, Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Schmidt 

Mary Manner, Coordinator of the Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative said, "It was great to see so many women of all ages coming together to help support working families in our communities afford quality early education for their young children." 

Guests fell in love with and requested recipes from Deborah Nicholson, who donated and produced trays and trays and trays of mouth-watering appetizers and desserts produced in her own kitchen. Leelanau Cellars of Omena again provided a generous selection of wines and La Becasse, the Silver Swan, Patisserie Amie and Donna Valdmanis also made the food offerings a true "groaning board." No one left hungry.

An ensemble from the Interlochen Academy of Arts provided lovely background music for the women who attended and raised more than $7,500, including the proceeds from a very lively and successful silent auction.

Co-hostess Gwen Sitreman of Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors attended the very first Twilight Gathering in 1979, before the event even had a name. "It's amazing what women can do when they pull together for a really important cause."

The tradition continues - and grows.

On Monday, August 15, from 5 to 7 p.m., the 18 co-hostesses (yes, 18!) of the Mid-Michigan Twilight Gathering in Lansing for the Women's Caring Program are hoping to see the largest turnout of the 2011 season's six Twilight Gatherings across the state.

Leading the charge is Kelly Rossman-McKinney, co-owner and CEO of Truscott Rossman, Michigan's premier bipartisan strategic communications firm with offices in Lansing, Detroit and Grand Rapids.

Kelly has been attending the yearly Twilight Gatherings since the early days when they were first held in Lansing, before both the Women's Caring Program's founder, Carol Walters, and the annual fundraiser moved to Milford. Regarding the acceptance of her first invitation, Kelly laughs, "I knew it would be a great way to meet other women, and rumor had it (which was later confirmed) that then-State Treasurer Bob Bowman would be serving drinks - wearing shorts!" The 2011 Mid-Michigan Twilight Gathering will continue to honor that tradition by having leg-baring male servers in shorts offer the hors d'oeuvres and wine to the guests.

Her favorite aspect of the event?  "The people, the people!" says Kelly. The list of "Who's Who" co-hostesses include Joan Bauer, Stella Cash, Carol Conn, Debbie Dingell, Barb Farrah, Annie Farrell, Terri Haas-Wittman, Amy Kraus, Neil Kuhnmuench, Jan Lockwood, Nancy McKeague, Colleen McNamara, Nancy Moody, Julie Novak, Polly Reber, Shelly Stahl, Kathy Wilbur and Deborah Zannoth. They are thrilled that three Special Guests of Honor have agreed to attend: Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura Corrigan, Michigan Department of Community Health Director Olga Dazzo and Director Kriste Etue of the Michigan State Police.

It's no surprise that the Mid-Michigan Twilight Gathering has so many women involved and planning to attend. A group of Lansing-area women once hired a party bus to transport them to the event when it was in Milford, so they could enjoy the camaraderie before, during and after.

Each guest's $100 tax-deductible donation will help fund scholarships for early education for pre-kindergarten children from struggling working families through the Women's Caring Program's ChildCare Commitment. Currently, Ingham County alone has more than 23 families on the waiting list.

The site of this Twilight Gathering is a spectacular venue, 1820 Canyon Trail, Lansing. It is the Pat Eyde-designed home in Delta Township that Kelly and her husband David Thompson moved into just this past Thanksgiving and have been working feverishly to renew inasmuch as it stood vacant for more than a dozen years.

To read more about Kelly's home, visit this story that appeared in Greater Lansing Woman and the Lansing State Journal. 

Kelly has "Always!!! Isn't that the point?" brought friends to the event, she said. "WCP is my favorite charitable organization. I'm eager to host this year's mid-Michigan Twilight Gathering because I want to replicate the ambience, the fun, and the frivolity - plus the total coolness of women - that the Twilight Gathering is known for."

Kelly's commitment to the Women's Caring Program's mission comes partly from first-hand experience, having been a single working mom at one time and a small business owner. 

"We all want to raise lots of money with a fabulous group of women who care about other women and who want to help working moms and their kids," she said. "So please, please register in advance on-line, and let us know we can look forward to meeting you."

Lansing Twilight Gathering: Registration | Women's Caring Program

Photo credit:  Greater Lansing Woman/Lansing State Journal

To return to the August Helping Hand newsletter, click here. 

Thursday, August 4  - please register a.s.a.p. - will mark the second year that Kathleen Mechem has hosted the Battle Creek Twilight Gathering for the Women's Caring Program. The event will be held on that date from 5:30 - 7pm at 132 Minges Circle in Battle Creek. 

A long-time attendee of the traditional annual Twilight Gatherings, Kathleen first attended the early "wine after work" events in 1981, which led to the creation of the Women's Caring Program, and almost always brought friends with her to expand their circles of friends.

Kathleen has the full spirit of the Twilight Gathering and knows how it's done. Over the years, she helped it grow from a relatively small invite-a-friend party to attendance of more than 800 guests thirty years later.

She decided to host Battle Creek's first regional Twilight Gathering in 2010 because, "I believe in the program's mission and in its success.  After many years in the workforce as a manager at the State of Michigan, later as president and CEO of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce and now as president of my own management consulting firm, I know from first-hand experience that access to affordable child care contributes to a better workforce, which leads to the success of the employer. Most importantly, this program assists those working families who are especially in need of help in making sure their children are kindergarten ready."

Along with co-hostesses WCP Board member Valerie Brader of Bodman PLC and Laura Walters of Laura's Gourmet Catering in Battle Creek, the trio will serve a mouth-watering array of tasty epicurean hors d'oeuvres and desserts, donated by Laura, paired with a selection of different wines, compliments of Kathleen's company, Organizational Solutions. In addition, Laura will offer a food prep demonstration of one of the treats served at the event.  (Pictured in the photo is Kathleen Mechem, Carol Walters and Laura Walters.)

The festive evening will also feature a silent auction, including highly creative jewelry, donated by jewelry designer Karen Benson. Kathleen's backyard will be the gorgeous garden setting, transformed for the Twilight Gathering, overlooking her lovely pond. Her charming home at 132 Minges Circle also will be open to guests.

Kathleen promises a memorable evening and a great time. "Great food, great wine, great conversation and a great cause!  Please become a part of WCP's history and success. You'll be helping those in need - and all of those of us who enjoy meeting new friends."

Pre-registration is important.  Register here: Battle Creek Twilight Gathering: Registration | Women's Caring Program  The $35 per person donation will benefit Battle Creek area children.

To return to the August Helping Hand newsletter, click here. 

The nonprofit Michigan Women's Caring Program (WCP) will hold a "Twilight Gathering" from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 18 at 50595 Chesapeake in Novi, Mich.  WCP supports early childhood education through licensed quality childcare for working poor families across Michigan.

The party, designed to raise funds as well as awareness of families in need, is hosted by Novi resident Shelley Trainor and Northville resident Jan Valade, both preschool teachers in the Novi Community Education program.

"We learned about the mission of Women's Caring Program and knew we had to help," said co-hostess Shelley Trainor. "Jan and I see firsthand everyday the difference that quality early childhood education can make in the life of a child."

The party is being held in the Island Lakes of Novi,  courtesy of Toll Brothers.  Delicious hors d'oeuvres will be provided by longtime WCP supporter Mary Brady of Diamond Jim Brady's fame.  In keeping with WCP tradition, a group of seven male "wine-tenders" will take care of the women guests, adorned in shorts, bow ties and aprons.  Music will be provided by Presence of Three, a trio of flute, cello and guitar.  Adding to the fun will be a silent auction of numerous one-of-a-kind items.  The event is partially underwritten by DMC Huron-Valley Sinai Hospital.

Co-hostesses of the Novi Twilight Gathering include:  Mary Brady, Debbie Dingell, Kimberly Green-Kerr, Shannon Hannon, Debi Hart, Jane Iacobelli, Judy Malburg, Sandy Paquette, Colleen Robar, Ann Tappan, Lynn Torossian,Tina Wheeler and Carol Walters.  

In 2011, WCP is hosting Twilight Gatherings in six Michigan locations:   Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe Park, Lansing, Novi and Traverse City.

"We believe that, collectively, we all have one asset too important to fail and that is our children," said WCP founder Carol Walters.   "Our organization focuses on the needs of the children in working poor families who need quality early education and childcare to make them kindergarten ready while their parents are working to provide for them.

WCP's signature statewide program, ChildCare Commitment, provides tuition assistance for quality care and early education for children ages birth to five from working poor and disadvantaged families who are not eligible for childcare payments from another funding source. Awards are distributed in Michigan on a statewide basis with priority focused in regions with population density and high poverty levels. It has helped families in 64 Michigan counties.

The event is open to all women and tickets are $100.   Register online at WomensCaringProgram.org or telephone 734-786-1371.

To return to the August Helping Hand newsletter, click here. 

The Grand Rapids Twilight Gathering is the newest addition to the expansion of WCP's Twilight Gatherings across the state and the first of the six to be held this year. Guests of this enjoyable 32-year tradition of the summer garden party will gather in the lovely Frey Foundation Courtyard on the Grand Valley State University Pew Grand Rapids Campus from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 for a tax-deductible donation of $35 to support WCP's ChildCare Commitment.

The primary hostess for Grand Rapids' inaugural WCP event is Sharalle Arnold, director of the GVSU Children's Enrichment Center, who learned about, then became enthusiastic about, WCP's signature program, ChildCare Commitment, only four months before she decided to host the Grand Rapids Twilight Gathering.  She had a variety of inspired reasons for doing so.

First, she wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to raise awareness and funds to provide access to early education for the pre-kindergarten children of struggling parents, which directly aligns with her professional and personal goals. The event would also offer an opportunity to establish a partnership between WCP and GVSU and bring together women to network and make a significant impact in the community. She also gleefully admitted she was excited about organizing a gorgeous garden party. 

Sharalle chose the site because of its location in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, on the Devos Campus, aware that its lovely courtyard would provide the perfect backdrop for such a fabled garden-type event, with both outdoor as well as indoor accommodations available.

The party features an assortment of scrumptious finger foods served by the wait staff of Classic Fare Catering.  A local caterer will provide some surprise sweet bites.  Grand Valley music student Roger Wagner plans to add to the casual atmosphere in the courtyard with light jazz. The Office of the President is supporting much of the hospitality for this event, in an effort to support early education for young children.  Big thanks to Barb Hoek from Sweet Cakes Design for cookies and Jennifer Ederer of Modern Day Floral for the flowers.

Co-hosting are several others who share her excitement.  Eileen McNeil, vice president of Community and Public Affairs for Seyferth PR in Grand Rapids has been attending and volunteering her help at the Twilight Gathering in Milford, Michigan, for at least a half dozen years. At the initial invitation of her sister, she then annually attended along with her other sister, her niece and her mom, and it became a cherished annual mini-family gathering.

Standing beside them to shoulder the organizing and media duties is Eileen's sister, Maureen McNulty Saxton, a Lansing area resident and founder and director of PR Edge, LLC, who has been a dedicated WCP board member since 1999, a few years after attending her first Twilight Gathering.  With her welcoming personality and sense of humor, Maureen lights up a room, and can share many warm memories of the nearly two decades of Twilight Gatherings she's attended.

Marge Byington, whose Grand Rapids roots are seven generations deep, also is co-hostessing the inaugural Grand Rapids party for WCP's ChildCare Commitment. Marge served on the Kent County Board of Commissioners and then as the deputy director of the Michigan Department of Commerce before becoming an economic development adviser to Detroit's Mayor Archer. Due to her current development work and board service, she was recently honored by the Grand Rapids Business Journal as one of "The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan."  You'll want to meet her, too.

Two of the other hostesses you'll enjoy meeting are Joyce Bos, who serves as the program director of Pathways, Michigan, and Heather Walczewski who is the assistant childcare director of the West Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children.

As Maureen noted, "There's a reason this event has had women bubbling with enthusiasm about it for 32 years.  It's fun, it's elegant, it's easy, it's after work, it's a fantastic way to catch up with old friends and meet new friends - and the funds raised are so desperately needed by so many kids in the Grand Rapids area and across Michigan."

The Twilight Gathering is nearly custom-made for the women of Grand Rapids, who are known for their enjoyment of getting together and their can-do spirit.

To register for this event, click here. 

To return to the July newsletter, click here.

The Twilight Gathering in Traverse City is the northern-most Women's Caring Program event in the state - so far.  Repeating the feat from their first very successful regional party in 2010, three of these now "veteran" hostesses are returning, as well as several new members who are convinced of the value of the cause.  This special hostess team is unique because it includes two women who have attended Twilight Gatherings since the very earliest days of WCP.

Gwen Stireman, now a well-known realtor with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors in Traverse City, was one of the original women who invited others to attend that very first wine-and-cheese networking gathering on Carol Walters' front porch in East Lansing in 1979. Sharon Workman, also a previous East Lansing resident who now lives in Cedar, Mich., attended her first gathering in 1981 on that same front porch, when the idea to bring new friends to the party showed that the interest in expanding women's circles of friendships was rapidly growing. Today, Sharon is the founder and retired president of the Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts and volunteers her support for WCP and a variety of non-profit organizations, both locally and internationally.

Also co hosting Traverse City's second annual TG is Mary Manner, Great Start Collaborative Coordinator for the six-county region in northwestern Lower Michigan and co-owner of Traverse City's Paddle Away, LLC. Her vocation as well as her energetic support of WCP dovetail nicely.  Her efforts through Great Start earned a federal grant to provide early education scholarships for needy three-year-olds in the area that, in 2012, will match funds raised this year from the Twilight Gathering.

Other hard-working party planners include co-hostess Connie Nelson, a retired nurse and bookkeeper who now has time to enjoy her flowers and share time with a spirited group who call themselves the marvelous MahJongg mavens.

Shawn Smith, an Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors is an extremely successful businesswoman and mom who, despite her already busy schedule, jumped at the opportunity to get involved with the Twilight Gathering in Traverse City. When she was asked to co-host the event, Shawn's immediate reaction was, "After all, it's for the children."

Pam Stanley, partner and vice president of Global Marine Insurance Agency, joined the team as a co-hostess last year and was eager to be involved again this year. Pam was impressed with the new attendees' reactions at the 2010 party to the introduction of and need for WCP's ChildCare Commitment in the Grand Traverse area and became a solid supporter.

While the Traverse City Twilight Gathering will be held at a different venue from last year, Kim Gregory of Posh Events has again volunteered to apply her decorating magic to the scene of the 2011 party which will be held at the Great Lakes Children's Museum (photo on right) overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13. 

Leelanau Cellars of Omena is again providing a generous selection of wines. La Becasse of Burdickville, the Silver Swan, Patisserie Amie and Donna Valdmanis of Traverse City and Deborah Nicholson of South Boardman are each donating a broad array of creative appetizers and scrumptious desserts. New this year is a musical ensemble from the Interlochen Academy of Arts to provide the music while guests will also be able to enjoy a fun silent auction.

Traverse City's Twilight Gathering will continue the long-standing WCP tradition of recognizing corporate sponsors of the event by inviting each sponsor to provide a male server to pour wine and pass hors d'oeuvres for the women who attend. Two of this year's servers include Wayne Workman of Robert W. Baird & Co. and Bill Stireman of Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors.

It is truly expected to be a special Twilight Gathering in a very entertaining setting where guests are encouraged to bring friends new to the event to meet new friends, mingle and expand their circles of friends while helping a great cause. In fact, true to the tradition, several current and former WCP founding board members plan to attend.

Attendance to the second annual Traverse City Twilight Gathering is a tax-deductible donation of $35 - and goes toward making a life-changing impact by offering struggling families the opportunity to help the young minds of their pre-kindergarten children blossom. 

To register for this event, click here. 

To return to the July newsletter, click here.