Women in Finance raise 52k for Special Needs
(L-R) Laurie Mernett (100WF); Roy McTaggart, Minister of Finance and Economic Development; Leanne Golding (100WF); Anne Marie Leadbetter (100WF); Tara Rivers, Minister of Financial Services; and Nik Tatarkin (SNFC)
(CNS Local Life): The nonprofit 100 Women in Finance (100WF) Cayman branch, comprising professionals in the finance and alternative investment industries, raised more than $52,000 at their Barefoot Beach Gala for their 2018 designated beneficiary, the Special Needs Foundation Cayman (SNFC), which is committed to supporting children with a wide range of needs across the Cayman Islands.
Gala attendees at the 10 March event celebrated James Bond-style and enjoyed an outdoor dinner and dancing, with partygoers channelling their favourite Bond or Bond girl from the popular movie franchise. Raffle winners went home with prizes including a Havana getaway, staycation, a Bond package for the men and a Miss Moneypenny package for the women, stated a 100WF press release.
Anne-Marie Leadbetter and Laurie Mernett, 100WF Cayman philanthropy deputy co-chairs said, “This was our best attended gala to date. The response from our membership and the local community has been fantastic.”
With a has a strong track record of supporting charities, 100WF has raised more than US$44 million (gross) worldwide for philanthropic causes in the areas of women’s and family health, education and mentoring. 100WF Cayman aligns its yearly objectives to this global theme, which rotates on an annual basis to ensure the greatest impact for local communities. For 2018, the theme is education.
Leanne Golding, 100WF Cayman chair, said the group was “ecstatic” with the event, thanking corporate sponsors and companies that donated raffle prizes, as well as those attending the gala.
SNFC is embarking on a pilot programme committed to implementation and action, through the development and provision of high-quality inclusive learning services. Partnering with the Haring Center from the University of Washington, SNFC is forming an inclusion team that will bring direct support to reception classes, both in the public and private system. This pilot programme is a three-year commitment and 100WF is raising funds to help defray the costs of the first year of operation, said the press release.
Nik Tatarkin, chair of SNFC, said of the gala, “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of the event. It provided us not just with substantial financial support that will directly contribute towards improvements in inclusive education to our Islands, but it also provided us a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness for our cause.”
SNFC executive leader Susie Bodden added, “We are so pleased that the foundation will now be able to go ahead with our partnership with the Haring Center. This is a turning point for inclusive education in the Cayman Islands and we are so thankful to 100WF and all who attended the very enjoyable event.”
100WF Cayman is planning its next fundraiser, the third annual Corporate Mixology Competition, for September 2018.
For more information on the upcoming fundraiser, email the 100WF Cayman philanthropy committee. For more information on the Special Needs Foundation, go to its website
Category: Community, Fundraiser
I feel sorry for the women who want to help but aren’t part of the finance industry.