Willmar Branch

Willmar Branch

President: Jeanette Carlson email 320-214-7600

willmar

Willmar, Minnesota
Site of 2007 State AAUW Convention

AAUW Willmar Window Newsletter
American Association of University Women, Willmar Branch, Willmar, Minnesota

Nov. Dec. 2009 Newsletter

WILLMAR Best of the Year

The Willmar branch held a special fundraiser, a wine tasting gathering at a local liquor store, in October for LAF. The dollars raised came to approximately $8 per member, well above our goal! It also resulted in two new members. We have collected a number of items for a gift basket to be auctioned at the state convention. The basket holds books, a book bag, java brew, and body balm. Another member has donated a classic “Route 66” travel bag.

For EF, we have traditionally sponsored a used book sale, and the proceeds go to the state EF chair, to a scholarship to a Ridgewater College woman student who is going on for a four-year degree, and to the Willmar Civic Scholarship Fund. In addition, we have maintained an excellent relationship with the local girls group home, hosting them at each monthly meeting, providing a holiday party with gifts, and occasionally hosting an afternoon of Bingo (with prizes) to their home. This has brought us a new member and a sense of pride in encouraging these young women to continue their education. We look forward to our May dinner meeting and our speaker, a woman mayor from Milan. The Willmar branch had the privilege to honor two 50-year members in March. This is what they say about AAUW:

“I appreciate the intellectual stimulation. There is the never-ending opportunity to learn, to wonder, and to observe the hearts and minds of those I have met in AAUW. And above all, it’s the bonding with those who share the common goals of AAUW.”

“AAUW continues to provide opportunity for lifelong learning, sisterhood, mutual support, and encouragement. Our vision reflects an awareness that the global community’s health, vitality, advancement, and hope for the future is dependent upon the education, wellbeing, and self-determination of women and girls.”