Contributed to the Telegram

The N.C. Community Foundation will launch a new Women's Giving Group – The Women Givers of Nash-Rocky Mount – at an informational luncheon on May 9 at the Gateway Conference Center in Rocky Mount.

Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, chief executive officer and president of the N.C. Community Foundation, will be the keynote speaker. Tolle Whiteside is the former president of Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina. She also served as chairwoman of the Covenant with North Carolina's Children and co-chairwoman of the N.C. Child Fatality Task Force.

Tolle Whiteside is the recipient of the prestigious U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner's Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions and commitment to the field of child abuse and neglect.

The Women Givers of Nash-Rocky Mount is the newest addition to a fast-growing group of women-based giving organizations. The Nash-Rocky Mount group hopes to grant $10,000 in its first year to those in need in the local area

The Women Givers received a founding gift from the Futrell-Mauldin Community Fund – which is dedicated to the promotion of philanthropy in Rocky Mount – as well as an establishing gift of $2,500 from NC Gives. The group has also successfully raised funds through establishing gifts and membership dues.

The Nash-Rocky Mount Affiliate Coordinator for the N.C. Community Foundation, Kelly Joyner Lee initiated the idea of forming a local group after attending The N.C. Network of Women Givers Conference in October of 2007.

"We have so many wonderfully generous and dedicated women in our community and so many organizations and people who can benefit from their generosity," Lee said.

The focus of The Women Givers of Nash-Rocky Mount will be women and families. Each year, the group will accept grant applications from local non-profit groups serving these areas.

"We have a great opportunity to demonstrate the power of collective giving." Lee said. "While my $200 gift to your organization may not make a large impact, the collective gifts of a group of women can really make a significant difference."

Those interested in attending the luncheon or who would like more information about joining The Women Givers of Nash-Rocky Mount, can contact Kelly Joyner Lee, Affiliate Coordinator for the N.C. Community Foundation by calling 245-1794 or sending an e-mail to klee@nccommunityfoundation.org.