Meet Alisha Eastman!

A few weeks ago, during a WPIG retreat in Roslyn, I was fortunate enough to sit down and learn a little more about Alisha Eastman. Alisha was one of the six founding members of WPIG. She was drawn to the group because she liked the idea of a women’s organization focused on educating its members and giving back to the community. Alisha currently chairs the Marketing Committee, and as chair, she created our fantastic new WPIG website (http://www.wpigseattle.org).



After endless hours of hard work and dedication, Alisha will be graduating in December with her Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Eastern Washington University (Everett Campus). Her education doesn’t stop there though. Next, she will begin her training to become a Doula, and then she will start the three year process of earning her LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker License). With all of that education, I couldn’t help but wonder, what is her ultimate professional goal? Without hesitation, and with contagious enthusiasm, she tells me that her dream is to eventually open up a comprehensive services clinic where prenatal and postnatal women (and families) will have access to doulas, midwifes, pediatricians, counselors, and more. Although some years out, I have no doubt her dream will be realized, and I cannot wait to witness her future success.



Alisha with her niece & nephew



While her studies and work as a medical biller and elementary school tutor keep her busy, she still manages to find free time, and when that time arises, she enjoys spending it with her niece and nephew. To that end, she gave them each a coupon book filled with activities to do with auntie, and they are working on using each coupon - next up, bowling!

Just when I thought Alisha couldn’t get any more amazing, she divulged this final fun fact: Between 13-18 years old, Alisha arm-wrestled for the Washington State Arm-Wrestling Association. Because there were not many teens, she arm-wrestled in the women’s division; in 1998, she was both the Teenage girls and the Women’s Light Weight Washington State Arm-Wrestling Champion. In 1999, Alisha and her mom held a charity arm-wrestling tournament to raise funds for a teen homeless shelter, Teen Hope (no longer in business). Amazing!

What an incredible young woman, and I am so glad to be a part of WPIG with her!

Volunteering at Ryther Child Center

Every few months, the WPIG philanthropy committee organizes a volunteer opportunity. This month, WPIG planned and facilitated a night of fall and Halloween themed arts and crafts activities for the children living at Ryther Child Center. This is the second time WPIG has volunteered at Ryther. WPIG had a great time washing vans and cleaning up the Ryther campus this past summer. Ryther also happens to be WPIG’s charity of the year.

WPIG chose to support Ryther this year because of the essential work that Ryther does in our community.  Ryther Child Center offers and develops safe places and opportunities for children, youth and families to heal and grow so that they can reach their highest potential. Since opening 125 years ago, Ryther has become a recognized leader in providing and advocating for a comprehensive continuum of care and assistance for children, youth and families experiencing or at risk from neglect, mental illness, or emotional, physical, sexual and/or chemical abuse.  Learn more about Ryther here.

 

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

On Sunday October 17, the United Nations observed the 24th annual International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This day is as an essential reminder that, in times of economic downturn, it is especially important to reflect on how we can help people who are less fortunate than us.


During this year alone, the percentage of Americans living in poverty hit a 15-year high: one in seven, or 44 million. This astounding number of Americans living in poverty has given scholars and politicians new material for an old argument. In today’s New York Times, Patricia Cohen writes about the contentious term, “The Culture of Poverty”.

Cohen writes that unlike the sociologists of the 1960’s, social scientists today have “rejected the notion of a monolithic and unchanging culture of poverty”. Instead of attributing destructive attitudes and behavior to an inherent “bad” moral character, sociologists are finally recognizing the impact of sustained racism and isolation. This shift in thought is important beyond academia. Much of the research on the “culture of poverty” intersects policy debates and can ultimately influence social welfare laws.

While lawmakers and academia continue to focus on large scale solutions for combating sustained racism and isolationism, individuals and groups like WPIG can support the fight to eradicate poverty in small but powerful ways. The U.N. has suggested that groups, as well as individuals, focus on supporting organizations and ideas that lead to sustainable models for economic stability through job creation.

http://www.idealist.org/ blogged that a great place to start helping people living in poverty is through organizations that facilitate microlending. Over the last few years, WPIG members have supported microcredit organizations like www.kiva.org. Microcredit programs provide small loans to individuals living in poverty. This innovative method of empowering people, effectively breaks the cycle of poverty. Check out www.kiva.org today.

"The campaign to make poverty history-a central moral challenge of our age-cannot remain a task for the few, it must become a calling for the many. On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, I urge everyone to join this struggle. Together, we can make real and sufficient progress towards the end of poverty." -Kofi Annan

Giving differnces?

Today I came across an interesting link on http://www.philanthropy.com/ According to this study, over half of all young Americans (generations X and Y) are giving to charity. The amount of money donated is small, especially compared to older adults. Of course the older we get, the more able we are to donate. The fact that over half of young Americans are supporting charity, especially during time of economic downturn is encouraging. Keep up the good work!

Support WPIG when you eat out this fall and winter.

WPIG partnered with Celebrated Chefs last year and the result has been excellent! The support we have received has helped increase our giving power and our ability to support organizations like our charity of the year, Ryther Child Center. This October, we would like to increase our Celebrated Chefs membership by 160 new participants! Are you ready to sign up? All you have to do is eat out...

Curious about Celebrated Chefs? Celebrated Chefs is an organization that brings together over 80 of the finest restaurants in Seattle area with non-profits like ours. You need only to enroll in the FREE program and enjoy fine dining at participating Celebrated Chefs restaurants.

How does it work?

Enroll in the Celebrated Chefs program and designate WPIG as the organization you wish to support. Then simply dine out with the Visa, MasterCard, or AMEX you enroll as part of your membership. The restaurants donate 5% of your dining bill to our cause automatically!
Really no fee or cost to me?

Yes really! There is absolutely no enrollment fee or hidden costs to you! Once you sign up you will receive a Celebrated Chefs Cookbook containing a signature recipe from each participating restaurant. The cookbook is their way of introducing you to the wonderful fare you will experience when you dine at the area’s finest restaurants.
Free, but will my information be sold or given away?

No! Your information is never given to any third parties.
Is it secure?

Yes, Celebrated Chef is Visa, MasterCard and AMEX certified. All website communication is secured by the same technology used by banks to protect their customers.
Ready to sign up? Click here!

Meet Nicole Demmon!

Our featured member is Nicole Demmon. Originally from Northern California, Nicole spent time in San Diego and more recently in San Francisco but has no regrets making Seattle her home. She is currently in her 2nd year of law school at Seattle University.


WPIG was delighted when Nicole joined the group this year. Nicole brings with her great training and hands on experience with her certificate in American Humanics and a member of the Junior League of San Francisco. She chose WPIG as a way to continue her work in non-profit while meeting more people and getting involved in a smaller organization where she could make an impact. Nicole will be heading up our Ryther Volunteer Day at the end of October. We’re looking forward to a successful day of arts and crafts with the kids at Ryther

School and WPIG keeps Nicole very busy but when not in class she can be found among other things, in the gym, walking or running with friends, being a Seattle Tourist and trying to keep up with her CW addiction. For all of you One Tree Hill Fans out there Nicole wants to hear from you!

The hobby that cannot be forgotten is travel and planning her next vacation! There is a good chance you will find her up on the ski slopes at Whistler this winter. San Francisco is still her favorite town but Madrid, Prague and Cairns are in her top three. And when asked – “Traveler” or “Vacationer”? Definitely a Traveler!

WPIG featured online at Vivanista!

WPIG was featured this morning on Vivanista. This fabulous article profiles the back story of WPIG. Curious about how WPIG came to be? Wondering about the philosophy behind WPIG's philanthropy efforts? Vivanista tells all... Check out the article here.

WPIG is excited to be a part of the Vivanista community. Vivanista has created a "a member-based, lifestyle community for fundraising volunteers". On Vivanista, groups like WPIG are "sharing unique insights, expert tips and a spirit of giving empowers members to improve their own lives and the lives of others". Vivanista has focused on developing a comprehensive website in which best practices in fundraising and other essential tools can be shared in an effort to increase the success of charitable events. Vivanista says that “as a result, more money is generated for nonprofit organizations and greater good is contributed to society”. To learn more about Vivanista, please visit http://www.vivanista.com/

Thanks Vivanista!

(quotes from the http://www.vivanista.com/)

Wearing Jeans to Work Pays Off!

On the last Friday of every month, Schnitzer West employees donate a minimum of $5 dollars to participate in “Jeans Friday”. Employees who donate are allowed to wear their favorite denim to work. The proceeds from this fun event are donated to local charity. This past July’s Charity was WPIG.

Schnitzer West, LLC is one of the Pacific Northwest's leading commercial real estate investment, development, and management companies. Quite a few past and present Schnitzer employees (Katie Patchin, Lori Chase, Alicia Stedman, Kym Haley and Megan Thomas) are WPIG members. Currently three Schnitzer employees sit on WPIG’s seven member board.

Thank you Schnitzer West for supporting WPIG!

News Update From the Bill and Pat Bali Fund

WPIG recently received great news from our 2009 charity recipient. Bill Taylor, co-founder of the Bill and Pat Bali Fund, wrote that “WPIG’s group contribution to the Scholarship Fund is already making a difference. We have four girls with loans now attending university. More girls will be applying in the next couple of weeks.”

As you may remember, in 2009, WPIG supported the Bill and Pat Bali Fund. WPIG donated proceeds from our 2009 event to this organization's Scholarship Fund to help girls in Bali gain access to higher education beyond high school. WPIG also donated resources to the Bill and Pat Bali Fund, specifically earmarked for a young girl at the Untal-Untal orphanage, Amelia Febrina Merry Bogia, in order to support her aspiration to become a teacher. This support is inclusive of housing, clothing, food, education and health care. WPIG's members have also committed to communicating directly with Amelia through written letters as her sponsors.

Meet Member Lori Chase!

Lori Chase is our featured member this month! Lori currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors and is also chair of the Administrative Committee. She joined WPIG in 2009 at the recommendation of a friend. Lori had been looking for an organization to involve herself in and was drawn to WPIG for it's small size and the chance to have an opportunity to help build something from the ground up. WPIG and Lori turned out to be a perfect match!

When Lori isn't working hard at her job in real estate development or for WPIG, she's training for a half marathon! Lori and a group of friends are going to complete 13-13.1 mile races this year. She's already finished 8 and has had fun traveling around the northwest to run them. Only 5 more to go!

Lori also loves to travel, work in her amazing vegetable garden, and enjoy time with family and friends in the San Juan Islands. WPIG is so lucky to have Lori as a member! Stay tuned for our next member profile... Alisha Eastman!

Non-profit & Volunteering

The women of WPIG have been busy!

We are excited to announce that in April we were incorporated in the State of Washington as a non-profit. We are on our way to being recognized and operating as an official 501c3 non-profit organization!

March kicked off our first quarterly volunteer activity at West Side Baby. We sorted and shelved clothes and items of all sorts. This non-profit organization in West Seattle collects previously owned items for children and babies and distributes them free of charge to South King County families in need. For more information or if you would like to volunteer or donate to this great organization please visit their website at http://www.westsidebaby.org/

In May, Edna & Katie were a part of the spring Girls on the Run 5k program. Girls on the Run (GOTR) mission is to use the power of running to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. 3rd – 5th grade girls are the target of this 10 week program with the finale being a 5k run to let the girls shine in their sense of accomplishment. Edna and Katie had their hands full being “running buddies” to Abby and Kate. To learn more about this program and how you can become a Running Buddy please visit http://www.girlsrun.org/

On a sunny beautiful day this June the Women of WPIG once again came together to volunteer at our 2010 Charity – Ryther Child Services. The morning was spent painting a toy shed and thoroughly cleaning all of the Ryther Vans!! This was quite the task considering that some of these vans hadn’t been cleaned in months. Just imagine what damage pre-teen & teen boys can do to the interior of a vehicle. We are looking forward to more volunteer activities and raising funds at our annual event in October for this great organization!

Meet Our Newest Members!

WPIG expanded again this year and we are excited to introduce our newest members!

Nicole Demmon Nicole is a graduate of the University of San Diego where she earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration and a certificate in American Humanics, a program that equips college students to become skilled professionals and leaders in America's nonprofit organizations. Nicole is currently attending law school at Seattle University. When she is not studying, Nicole enjoys volunteering in the community, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Becka Hardy-Becka graduated from Gonzaga University in 2004 with a BS in Exercise Science. She has been working in the human resources field in Seattle for the last 5 years. Becka has a passion for running and competes in half and full marathons. In her free time she loves traveling, the outdoors, cycling and spending time with friends and family.

Tiffani Lee Tiffani currently works in wealth management at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, in downtown Seattle. She graduated from the University of Washington in 2007 with a Bachelors of Arts in Communications and Political Science. Originally from Lake Oswego, OR, she enjoys skiing, running, travelling, cooking and trying new restaurants in the Seattle area.

Megan Thomas Megan currently works in the Financial Planning & Analysis group of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation focusing on Financial Services for the Poor. Prior to this job, she did financial analysis for Schnitzer West, a commercial real estate developer in Seattle. She also worked for four years in the hedge fund industry in New York. Megan holds an MBA from the Wharton School, an MA in International Studies, and a BA in Economics, all from the University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, skiing, golfing, and also serves as a member of Hope Through Health, a nonprofit providing AIDS relief in Togo, West Africa.

Meghan Wagner – Meghan is a graduate of University of Washington with a B.A. in Political Science and Women Studies. In addition, she completed a Nonprofit Management certificate program at the University of Washington in 2008. Meghan is currently working as a Director of Development for the YMCA of Greater Seattle where her focus is on annual and capital fundraising campaigns. Meghan is the co-chair of the events committee and a member of the recruitment committee. In her spare time, Meghan enjoys runni"Julianna Yamamoto

Julianna D’Angelo Yamamoto CPA, is currently the Finance Manager of the Washington Wine Commission, a state agency dedicated to domestically and internationally raising awareness of Washington Wine. She is native to the Puget Sound region and started her career as a CPA at Clark Nuber, PS in Bellevue WA before joining the Washington Wine Commission at the beginning of 2009. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business and her Masters of Accountancy degree both from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. She is also a member of the Washington State Society of CPA’s. In her free time Julianna seeks out opportunities to get lost in early 19th century literature or enjoy a musical; she also enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with her husband and family.