C R E S S W I N D AT V I C T O R I A G A R D E N S
SPOTLIGHT
Resident Spotlight: VG Women’s Club S U B M I T T E D BY E V E LY N R O S A , L I F E S T Y L E D I R E C TO R
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he Victoria Gardens Women’s Club (VGWC) was started by a few dedicated women to do charity work for the community. Their numbers have grown since inception to over 170 women, and so has outreach to charitable organizations, which benefit the annual Charity Auction.
History VGWC was formed in 2005 to provide fellowship and education for the residents of Victoria Gardens. Each year, as the volunteer organization has grown, its community outreach efforts have evolved into fundraising for charitable giving in support of the many needs of charitable organizations throughout the Volusia County community. In 2018, VGWC raised and distributed more than $17,000 in donations and support in its charitable and community outreach activities. Donations to VGWC help in their support of organizations, such as Family Renew, Good Samaritan Clinic, Council on Aging, Halifax Health Children’s Grief Center, Blue Lake Elementary School, Faith at Work and other outreach efforts for the eldery, homeless, needy and disabled.
• Assistance with outreach activities and grief centers to help young children and teens grieve after losing a loved one • School supplies for teachers and students, as well as donations for cookouts and ice cream socials • Personal needs to the elderly at state and federally supported assisted living facilities in DeLand • Collection and sorting of food for the annual “Food Drive” • Visits and moral support for the needy, elderly, homeless and unwed mothers
Fellowship & Committees As the organization begins to reach out to even more businesses and organizations in the coming year, they encourage others in our community to join and get involved in their efforts. They hope each resident/member will spend some time getting to know the many dedicated and energetic women who make VGWC so successful. Luncheon meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month and new residents are welcome.
Charitable Activities & Community Outreach In recent years, the VGWC charitable donations have supported the following: • Counseling and services for breast cancer patients • Free medical and dental healthcare for the uninsured in West Volusia County • Hot meals, transportation to the doctor, help with hot baths, light housework, chores and guardianship programs for the elderly • Help for people and families trying to move beyond homeless shelters to live independent lives • Clothing and personal items for the homeless and others in need • Gifts for homeless children and elderly through Angel Tree effort during the holidays, and candy for Valentine’s Day and Halloween • Assistance with upkeep and repair of a facility for individuals with special needs, including Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and many other disabilities
The volunteer committees include Bylaws, Community Outreach, Fundraising, Annual Charity Auction, Major Donations, Hospitality, History & Website, Membership & Welcome, Nominating, Publicity, Sunshine, and Programs & Events. Our fiscal year runs from March through February, and there are no paid employees in the VGWC.
2019 Officers • • • •
President: Susan Bacotti - smadysaver@yahoo.com Vice President: Laura Blackburn - lpblackburn@cfl.rr.com Treasurer: Justine Cancryn - rivervujc@gmail.com Secretary: Karla Johnson - karlaatvictoria@gmail.com
To find the VGWC online, navigate to myvictoriapark.com, select Victoria Gardens at the top, select Clubs & Groups at the left, and then select VG Women’s Club at the left.
Victoria Gardens Women’s Club - Recent Trip to St. Augustine
SUMMER 2019 | T H E P I C K E T F E N C E
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