Supporter Spotlight: Del Mar Women’s Giving Collective
This month we are proud to thank the Del Mar Women’s Giving Collective (DMWGC) for choosing the WRC as a grant recipient of $10,000 for this year’s funding cycle, presented on May 7, 2019 to Marina Araiza, WRC Director of Residential Services, and Lauren-Jane Stephenson, Director of Development. We feel honored to receive the support of local North County women who seek to make a difference in their community and, in thanks to them, we continue to strive to do the same. The impact that their financial contribution makes to our cause goes beyond what we can represent in numbers; we see it every day in the lives of survivors and their families who we strive to serve and empower.
WRC’s Marina Araiza and Lauren-Jane Stephenson accepting the grant
Founded in 2018 by Lani Curtis, the collective is made up of local women who came together to create a group that would amplify their impact on the community through philanthropic giving. Lani remarks, “My big picture goal was to ignite and empower next generation giving. Generosity is inspiring and contagious, and I wanted to foster a close community of women that would inspire and encourage one another to grow as donors, think strategically about how they can impact the needs within our broader community, and ultimately live wholly generous lives.” Since their establishment, the DMWGC has awarded over $50,000 in grants to non-profit organizations in San Diego, now including the WRC. When asked why the WRC was chosen for this grant award, Lani said, “As a group of women, I think we were all very inspired by the idea of ‘Women empowering women’ … we were all impressed by the depth of your passion, commitment and the quality of the work you do”. The WRC was chosen from over 30 nominations that were democratically narrowed down to 14 invitations to submit applications, and then down to 3 organizations that were selected to receive grant funding. We are thankful not only for the significance their giving has for lives of the survivors served by the WRC, but also for the effect their collective has on greater San Diego by supporting non-profits that strengthen our community.
The Del Mar Women’s Giving Collective continues to expand its membership and its impact on the community. At first established by 19 founding members, the group has grown to 32 and continues to welcome new members. If you are interested in learning more or getting involved with this powerful group of women, check them out at dmwgc.wordpress.com. We at the WRC are both proud and thankful to have their support!