3 Ways to Make Your Membership More Valuable to You
Let’s give ourselves a pat on the back!
VTWC never overlooks the importance of celebration. In the fall, we celebrate the start of our year at the Annual Welcome Reception. We celebrate when we gather for trips, interest group activities, luncheons, and even board meetings. In the winter, we celebrate our new members. And in the spring, we celebrate the accomplishments of our club at an annual luncheon. We have much to celebrate every year.
A successful year for the scholarship program
One reason to celebrate is the success of our scholarship program. At the spring luncheon, we honor our newest scholarship recipients. They are a breath of fresh air—energizing, inspiring, and optimistic.
The Ways & Means Committee is busy throughout the year organizing a variety of fundraising projects, and they were on the job at the luncheon building the foundation for their fundraising for 2023. Their creativity and contagious positivity make the luncheon’s entertaining and generate sizable funs for the scholarship.
In June, numerous members participate in The Community Foundation’s Day of Giving.
The Scholarship Committee translates fundraising into scholarships by working with the Community Foundation of New River Valley which manages our funds.
A successful year for service
Another reason to celebrate is the success of our Service Committee. The members have generously supported every service project. Whether we are gathering food or books for children, we come together to chip in.
A successful year for activities
Luncheons, interest groups, the travel group, and Friday Forum provide members with opportunities to learn, laugh, and linger for discussions. We have three luncheons with speakers who stimulate our minds and our hearts. The 17 interest groups open opportunities to share knowledge and to build friendships. Traveling together is always fun. The bus rings with conversations and laughter. Forums focus our attention on important historical and current events, allowing members to engage in rich discussions.
What is the value in VTWC membership?
Members may answer this question differently, but many sum up the value in one word.
Deanie Heath, Communications Director, is quick to say, “Friendships. It starts with friendships. Friendships that last a lifetime.” She notes that she had been a marginally involved member for several years after being invited to a welcome reception—“for the food,” her friend said. She started making friends in the book club interest group, and especially notes that Gloria Moses is such a wonderful ambassador for VTWC. “Gloria represents all that we strive to be: involved, compassionate, curious, engaging. Gloria once explained to a group of new members that while all the other pillars of VTWC are important, nothing is more important than the friendships she has built over the years.”
We do important work—scholarships and service projects are very important—but we support each other. We create a special community that is warm and welcoming.
Deb Call, past president, notes, “We are not a business or an academic institution. We are VTWC - a home for those who desire to serve and to enjoy close relationships and enrichment opportunities. It is who we are. We will always have flaws but holding onto this central theme will make everything worthwhile and allow us to exist another 60 years. VTWC makes a real difference in our community.”
turn Your Talents into Scholarship currency
What is your special talent? The VTWC scholarship fund started with a group of women who created a cookbook of their favorite recipes and marketed copies across Blacksburg.
What are your resources that will help us grow our scholarship funds? Contact the Ways and Means Committee if you want to talk more about how you can help.