Raffle Prize: Painting

"Autumn Birch" by Kathy Stanton
Size: 16" x 20"
Based on a photograph taken on the Leelenau Peninsula, then digitally enhanced to exaggerate the essence of the scene.

Raffle Prize: Oil Painting

"Lift Your Name—From the Cross, to the Earth, to the Sky" by Kim Harris
Size: 9" x 12"
Oil on canvas, black canvas floater frame

Raffle Prize: Handpainted Wine Glasses

Handpainted Wine Glasses by MaryJo Campbell
Four 18 oz. red wine glasses with large purple petals around goblet, green stem swirled around glass stem, and two purple flower buds on a black base.

Raffle Prize: Custom Pillows

Set of two pillows, donated by Cathy Brooks
"Small Dot" Maharam pattern / Luna fabrics & many other choices classified as C.O.M.s. Raffle winner may take pillows on display on Women's Volunteer Day or choose other fabrics or sizes to be custom-made and delivered after the event.

Why our geographic focus?

Every now and then, the planning team is asked why this event is in Holland/Zeeland instead of in Spring Lake, for example. There are a couple of reasons. In the first few years, all of us on the planning team worked at the Holland/Zeeland Herman Miller facilities, and understood that employees come from the north and south and east (not the west so much, but only because of the water). Holland/Zeeland seemed to be the common ground, with the advantage of having enough active agencies to assure that we had enough places for volunteers to work on the same day. When we had a half-day event, it also made it convenient for most people to pop into or out of the office. And because one of our objectives was to give women an opportunity to connect or reconnect with lots of other women, we wanted to be able to bring everyone together for part of the event--lunch or, this year, breakfast--so we didn't want people spread too far around the area.

This year we've decided to extend our network more deliberately beyond Herman Miller employees; for the planning team it still feels right for us to center our efforts in Holland/Zeeland--this is also the common ground among the seven of us on the planning team.

While our own ambitions haven't called for developing events in other geographies, we certainly understand and applaud the desire from other folks to contribute in their own communities. We'll happily share our experiences, planning documents, and expertise to give anyone who'd like to plan a comparable event in another place a head start!

If you've registered but plans have changed. . .

Because of the way the Women's Volunteer Event is planned, it's important that we have pretty accurate information about how many participants we'll have. Otherwise, we may need to disappoint some agencies or leave some work undone. So if you've registered for the event but now find you can't attend, please let us know. The most foolproof way to notify is is via e-mail to wvd.planning.committee at gmail.com.

Hope to see you on September 25!

You can still register--and invite your friends!

A grass-roots event that began with 50 women working on a Habitat for Humanity house for a single mother has blossomed into an annual event over the last six years: Women's Volunteer Day. Last year there were 140 participants! The spirit of giving—time, talent, and donations—in the West Michigan community is alive and growing.

The event is an opportunity for volunteers to offer their time, skills, and talent to several nonprofit organizations in the Holland/Zeeland area, to increase awareness of issues for women and children in West Michigan, and to promote networking among women in our community.

It's time to sign up if you're interested! This year's Women's Volunteer Day is scheduled for Thursday, September 25. Capacity is limited and you must be registered prior to the event to participate. The number of participants will be limited to first-come, first-served.

In the spirit of spontaneity, you'll discover your work assignment the day of the event. Plan to arrive between 8:00 and 8:15 a.m. at Hope Church in Holland, where you'll check in and assemble with your crew at the breakfast table. (We're asking for a $5 donation.) You'll set out with your crew to begin your tasks around 10 a.m., working for 4-6 hours and having lunch on your own.

Organizations you may be assigned to were listed in an earlier post; scroll down to follow the links and learn more about each.

During breakfast, we'll hold a raffle for artwork donated by talented women from West Michigan. Proceeds will go to Holland Rescue Mission, an organization that addresses homelessness and poverty. Also, we'll collect donation items for women and children at the Holland Rescue Mission's Family Hope Ministry Center, which shelters women, children, and intact families experiencing homelessness.

For women, the Mission needs: new panties and socks for women; shampoo, conditioner, hair gel/spray/mousse/etc., combs, brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, disposable razors, lotion, and feminine hygiene products.

For children, the Mission needs: diapers, wipes, sippy cups, pacifiers, bibs, onesies, and toddler/preschool snacks.

Just complete this online form as soon as possible to register. You'll receive a confirmation that we've received your information, and you'll be on an email distribution list for future event communications. We encourage you to build our community network by inviting to your sisters, friends, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, daughters, nieces, partners, and colleagues (aged 18 and older, please).

Thank you for your willingness to help!