A Milestone for GT: 10 Years of Giving

On the evening of April 30, 2019, Giving Together celebrated a decade of philanthropy with members, guests and grantees, turning our annual spring fundraiser into a big anniversary party. The location was a flower-filled Chevy Chase Village Hall. Colorful displays decorated the space, illustrating the work of GT’s 16 grantees – non-profits that provide outstanding services to our community. A pianist played classic jazz while everyone dined on a sumptuous feast of skewered lamb and salmon, fresh Asian wraps, fruit and chocolate desserts. The conversation sparkled and so did the wine!

A brief program recounted GT’s mission and history and saluted our founders (Paula Norwood, Lori Shor Ulanow, Anna Sachs, Cheryl Baird, Janet Shatz Snyder and Susan Gibeson). Grants Committee Co-Chairs Renee Licht, Christine Kessides and Susan Alberts saluted 10 years of grantee organizations, including 2018-award recipients We are Family and the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project. Representatives of both non-profits presented updates on their GT-funded projects.

We also heard from Ellen Krouss – KaBOOM!’s Associate Director for Partnership Development– who described our exciting 2019 grants project: a KaBOOM! Multi-Sports Court for low-income kids in the DC-area, which GT will fund, design and build along with a community partner.

GT President Karen Gilgoff presented a $10,000 contribution from GT’s Emergency Fund for Individuals and Families in Crisis to Anna Hargrave, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Montgomery County (CFMC). She accepted the donation on behalf of CFMC’s Neighbors in Need program, which provides funds for community residents in emergency situations, such as an inability to make a rent payment, cover a utility bill or pay for a prescription. An anonymous CFMC donor matches GT’s contribution 100%, thereby doubling our impact.

The program closed with special recognition of GT’s founding President Paula Norwood, who led GT through most of the last ten years. She received a crystal clock, etched with the following message of deep appreciation: Presented to Paula F. Norwood, Founding President GIVING TOGETHER, for a decade of visionary leadership and outstanding service. April 30, 2019.

Thanks to all who attended the celebration, which raised more than $3,000 for Neighbors in Need and the KaBOOM! project. Additional thanks to event chair Carolyn Miller and the generous vendors who extended discounts for the event: Rodman’s, Staples Rockville and Catering by Seasons.