Anne Weintraub, real estate attorney, WWSB Channel 7 television contributor, and shareholder in the law firm of Band Weintraub of Sarasota, visited Girls Inc in October of this year and was "awed" by the Girls Inc. girls.  It was Anne's first visit to our Center on Tuttle Avenue, and while over the years, she's been a great advocate for our girls, that day, she really "got" what we do in a new way.

Her visit was on a day that she was able to experience the MicroSociety program in action.  Anne was able to see first-hand what it means to be a strong, smart and bold Girls Inc. girl.   She saw Shania and our Fitness Fanatic Girls happily playing dodge ball; she met Briana who showed her what the girls were making in the Science Museum of Natural Fun to sell on Market Day; she shook hands with Maya, the bank manager, who told her how the girls learn about making a profit, saving money and repaying loans in their MicroSociety business ventures.  It was a truly "hands on" experience for Anne that underscored her connection to our organization.

Just before leaving, when she was told that around 61% of the girls are on some level of scholarship assistance this year - and that there is a waiting list for scholarship funds - Anne's response was immediate: "We're going to do something about this." 

The very next day, Anne and her law partner Greg Band decided to direct $5,000 in scholarship aid to Girls Inc.  That generous allocation will enable us to provide increased scholarship assistance to the girls on the waiting list.

Anne came, Anne saw, and with her partner, Greg Band, through their law firm, they acted. Thank you, Anne - and Band Weintraub -- for making a difference at Girls Inc.!