President’s MessageWow, the end of summer vacation has ar-

rived. I think a busy summer was had by all, even our organization.

Our annual installation and supervisor appreciation lunch was in June. We had a

great turnout. In July, our guest speaker was from Camelot Community Care (which han-

dles foster children). The stories were heart wrench-

ing. This presentation made our 1st project of the year

even more meaningful to all of us. Our goal was to pro-

vide every child in that facility a backpack full of

school supplies. Thanks to all who contributed, we

accomplished that goal by providing 23 backpacks (full

of supplies) to the children and an additional 6 backpacks for incoming

children. The outpouring from our members and co-workers is greatly appreciated not just

by me but the children as well. Remember that sometimes to adults these little things don’t mean much, but to children they can

mean the world!

In August, our guest speaker was from Mote Marine who told us about Mote and their pro-

grams. Now we look ahead to September. Join us on Sept. 14 for our guest speaker who

is a financial advisor. Maybe we will learn some tips & tricks to help us survive the

current economy.

Keep your eyes on the iNet and I hope to see you there!

CalendarBirthdays

Monday, July 11- Kelly MogaveroThursday, July 21- Elaine Barker

Wednesday, August 3- Susan KulbershSunday, August 7- Lorraine Smilko

Monday, August 8- Kay ChitwoodTuesday, August 9- Theresa KerseyFriday, August 12- Amy Anderson

Thursday, August 18- Simone PetersonSaturday, August 20- Sheila Parker

EventsWednesday, September 7- Executive Board Meeting

Wednesday, September 14- “Financial Planning Seminar” Bring your questions and concerns. Lunch will be

catered by Fav’s Italian Cucina. If you would like to order contact Janice Dunbar-Smith or Alise Cline.

12 p.m. - 1 p.m. County Admin Building Manatee RoomFor more information on this event, check the iNet.

Tuesday, November 15- Scholarship Applications Due

RemindersYes We Can! Campaign

Florida Women in Government is still collecting non-perishable and canned food items, which we deliver to

Meals on Wheels. Bring your donations to our meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month and help someone

that is less fortunate.

T-shirts are still on sale! Greater Manatee Chapter FWG t-shirts are on sale for

$12. Sizes available: S (36), M (40), L (44), XL (48). Please note that all shirts are men’s sizes, so they will run

a little larger than women’s, so order accordingly.

All proceeds go towards the Lari Ann Harris Scholarship Fund. Please contact Regina Worley x3020 if you’re inter-ested. By assisting our members to reach their educational

goals and get their college degrees, we are all winners!

Want to join FWG?Interested in joining the Greater Manatee Chapter of

Florida Women in Government? Download our brochure and fill out the application by going to our

site: www.fwginc.org

Greater Manatee ChapterFlorida Women in Government

July/August 2011 Newsletter

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Another Successful Campaign!Let’s Pack the Backpacks, an initiative to ensure the children of Camelot Community Care

were equipped with the proper tools to start the school year, was a huge success. By Donna Stevens, Financial Management

In June, the Let’s Pack the Backpacks fundraising endeavor was merely an idea that was being finalized when on July 29, 2011

became an overwhelmingly successfully reality.

The Greater Manatee Chapter (GMC) of Women in Government, aligned themselves with Camelot Community Care, a Special-

ized Therapeutic Foster Care organization located at 239 US 301 Blvd. E, Suite A, Bradenton FL 34208, with a goal to provide a supply filled backpack to all of the very important children in

their immediate care. A call went out to the Women in Govern-ment members in addition to a posting up on the INET. We had a unique opportunity to make a small difference in a child’s day.

What occurred was an immediate resounding enthusiastic response from not only our members, but mem-bers of the Manatee County Government staff. We were from the listing provided by Camelot Community

Care, Ms. Abby Krause; grant the “special wishes” that the children had in addition to supplying everyone (23 filled backpacks as of the turn in day) along with three more young ladies coming that following week.

On July 29, 2011, a Soup & Salad Luncheon fundraiser took place in the Administration Building first floor. The members who made unbelievable soups, scrumptious salads, gave of their time, was just wonderful and

so much appreciated. Thank you again for all of your hard work! To show their sincerest thanks to Women in Government, we had Ms. Abby Krause with us the entire time, answering questions and offering in site in to

Camelot Community Care and what they do.

The Women in Government organization, is an amazing generous group of professional women who when a request was made, answered with a resounding yes we will make this happen.

Some of the comments received were, “Anything for the children.” “I will take care of the 10 year old and all of his supplies.” “This was so much fun!” “I’ll take care of the young lady who loves Twilight.” “I will pick up some

supplies.” The endearing comments kept coming.

In conclusion, “A hundred years from now it will not matter what your bank account balance was, the sort of house you lived in o r the kind of car that you drove. But the world may be a little different because you were

important in the life of a child.”

Greater Manatee ChapterFlorida Women in Government

July/August 2011 Newsletter

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Let’s Pack the Backpacks Thank You Letters

Greater Manatee ChapterFlorida Women in Government

July/August 2011 Newsletter

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Let’s Pack the Backpacks Thank You Letters

Greater Manatee ChapterFlorida Women in Government

July/August 2011 Newsletter

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Let’s Pack the Backpacks Thank You Letters

Greater Manatee ChapterFlorida Women in Government

July/August 2011 Newsletter

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