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What She's Made Of - With Jennifer Buffett |
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Lisa Walsh, Jennifer Buffett, Brigid Doherty, Lisa Friedman
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The 2011 "What She's Made Of" Celebration with philanthropist, Co-founder and President of the NoVo Foundation, Jennifer Buffett, was a tremendous success! More than 550 guests gathered at Kleinhans to hear Ms. Buffett and to learn more about the work she and her husband Peter are doing to change the lives of women across the globe.
We would like to thank our wonderful co-chairs - Lisa Walsh and Lisa Friedman and their fabulous committee. In addition, we would also like to thank our Honorary Chairs - Mary Jo and Peter Hunt. The evening included an anonymous donation of $5,000 by a guest in honor of her mother. The donor asked that the gift be used to match each donation of $100 or more up to that amount. Thank you to everyone who made a gift and who helped to bring the event total to more than $149,000 to support the WNY Women's Fund and our Pathways to Progress Initiatives.
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Emily Hunt Forbes, Mary Jo Hunt and Susan Block
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We would like to thank our emcees for the evening, Jodi Johnston, host of WGRZ Daybreak and Margaret Sullivan, editor for The Buffalo News. We would also like to thank our Presenting Sponsor BlueCross BlueShield, Platinum Sponsors: M&T Bank and The Buffalo News, and our Crystal Sponsors: CTG, Delaware North Companies, Sue & John Hoskins, Hudson Advisor Services, MorganStanley SmithBarney, and R&P Oak Hill, as well as our many other sponsors and advertisers. Thank you to everyone who donated their time and effort to make this event a success, including our media and in-kind sponsors, WGRZ Channel 2, Buffalo Spree, LAMAR Outdoor Advertising, Martin Group and RPM Entertainment.
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Representatives from BlueCross BlueShield - WSMO 2011 Presenting Sponsor
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To see event photos and video, visit our website at www.wnywomensfund.org .
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| Leadership Changes at the WNY Womens Fund |
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Brigid Doherty |
Four years ago, the Women's Fund advisory board made the fortunate decision to hire Brigid Doherty as the Executive Director for the Fund. Board Chair, Gail Johnstone told the audience at the "What She's Made Of" Celebration that Brigid was "much more than a typical Executive Director - even more than extraordinary, she was a force for transformation."
With Brigid's leadership, the Fund grew from being primarily a granting organization to one focused on social change. During her tenure there was the monumental completion of Pathways to Progress Report in 2010, which benchmarked the status of women and gilrs in Western New York. By sharing the findings of the Pathways to Progress Report, the Fund raised awareness of the issues and began to focus leadership efforts around areas within Pathways that can provide opportunities for all women and girls to thrive.
Brigid leaves the organization to spend time with her family. "As a mother of two young girls, I am constantly reminded of the importance of our work here at the Fund, but am also blessed with the opportunity to take some time away from this work to spend more time sharing day to day experiences with my daughters as they grow." Brigid leaves a wonderful legacy of community collaboration and the framework for continued growth for the WNY Women's Fund.
We are pleased to share with you that Heather Filipowicz has been appointed the new Executive Director. Ms. Filipowicz was selected following an extensive and thorough executive search process.
"We are incredibly pleased that Heather has decided to join the Western New York Women's Fund", said Alice Jacobs, Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Search Committee. "Her experience, energy and passion for the mission of improving the lives of women and girls convinced us that she will provide visionary leadership as the Fund continues to develop its role in the community, working towards systemic change for issues affecting women and girls."
Ms. Filipowicz joins the Fund from the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter, where she held the position of Senior Director of Advancement. " I am honored and excited to work with the Board of Directors, the committed donors and staff of the Western New York Women's Fund as we all work toward improving the lives of women and girls in this community," said Filipowicz. "I have always been passionate about women and the community in which I have lived most of my life, so it is a pleasure to combine these two passions towards achieving the mission of the Fund."
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More About the New Executive Director of the WNY Womens Fund |
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Heather Filipowicz |
Heather Filipowicz has been responsible for overseeing all fundraising efforts as well as external and government relations for the Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross. During her tenure she led a team that raised $1 million annually and guided the creation of a social media plan and presence for the Chapter, a critical component of success in today's not-for-profit world. She previously served as Director of Development at Planned Parenthood of Western New York and prior to that gained experience in Washington DC as a Legislative Assistant. Ms. Filipowicz, who has achieved the designation of Certified Professional Fundraising Executive, also serves on a number of community Boards and committees. She is the current President and past Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western New York Chapter. In 2008 she was awarded the national "Planned Parenthood Fundraiser of the Year" award. She received a BA from Canisius College where she has been a member of the Annual Fund Cabinet and served in the Mentoring Program. |
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Please feel free to contact us to find out more about our programs.
WNY Women's Fund
742 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14209
(716) 887-2777
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