Dear all,
I am sure most of you reading this letter are aware that the first part of NFWFW’s mission is to provide healthcare grants. However our mission statement also includes health advocacy and fostering a social community as objectives. Time and time again the results of surveys we have taken and conversations we have with members confirm that we are challenged to be much more than just a source of assistance with medical bills.
Our annual Founders event at Bedell Cellars last month was a great success both financially and socially. There was great attendance and plenty of well-deserved praise for honoree Mary Dorman. Add to that wine toasts and singing and dancing, it was fun!
We are working on a full slate of summer ‘activities’, as in outings where we can continue to build a healthy community. The research is vast and consensus is high, exercise helps with; metabolism, heart health, sleep quality, and brain function to name only a few of the benefits. We are planning some favorites such as tennis, golf, and Pilates. In addition we have a team forming for a 5k [3.1 miles –you can do it] walk/run on Shelter Island the evening of June 17th and a group paddleboard lesson when the Bay warms up a bit. Check our weekly blasts for details as they become available. If you have an idea for an activity that will serve our community, please contact us. We’re always open to new ideas!
The Advisory Board will meet on April 29, 2017 at Peconic Landing. This is a group of past NFWFWF leaders who on an annual basis generously give their Saturday morning to convey opinions and to give counsel to the Board on topics such as outreach, strategic planning, and grants. It is a time for observations based upon their past experiences that lead to solutions to help move our organization forward.
Finally, based upon essays and applications submitted, the Scholarship committee has picked three finalists to interview next weekend. What a great financial boost this will be for the accomplished local high school students who are awarded the Anne MacKay Scholarship based upon their commitment to diversity. The grants are independently funded and the administration is paid for by donations specifically to the scholarship fund. The grants are an excellent community outreach initiative bringing positive recognition of NFWFWF. I am pleased to have NFWFWF associated with this progressive endeavor.
That’s what’s going on.
Kathleen Bresnan
NFWFWF President