Tour of Homes Supports Local Charities|

Ann Owens and members of the Women's Guild vote to make a donation to a worthy charity, (Photo by Sandi Smalley)

An Interview with Guild Chair, Ann Owens
By Jean Lomax
“All those in favor?” “Anyone opposed?”  These words bring hope to so many needy adults and children in Pickens and Dawson Counties. But the vote by members of the Chapel Women’s Guild at their monthly meeting is only one step in the process that ensures money raised at the annual Tour of Homes is directed to the people who need it most.

Ann Owens, Chairperson for Charitable Giving on the 2009/2010 Women’s Guild Board, answers a few questions about the process:

How much money from the Tour actually goes to local charities?
When all the various contributions have been tallied and expenses paid, a check is presented by the Tour of Homes Co-Chairs to the Rising Presidents of the Women’s Guild. That wonderful moment in June is shared by many of the people who have volunteered their time to make the tour an annual success. Last year the check was for nearly $100,000!

What’s the application process for charitable organizations?
Organizations requesting funds complete an application form with contact information, the amount requested and an explanation of how the contribution will benefit our community or ministry.

How does the Guild decide which organizations to support?
The check from the Tour is banked, but it does not stay there long. Application forms and guidelines are sent out during the summer and the Guild receives a number of completed forms as early as late August. The Chairman of Charitable Giving is responsible for overseeing approval of charitable donations. I was pleased to have the responsibility this year. I work closely with potential recipient organizations and with the Chapel Benevolence and Missions committees to review the applications. In many cases, I visit the charities to gain a better understanding of their programs and needs. I then summarize each application in a written report that is presented to the Guild Board at its monthly meeting. The Board will either approve a request fully, or in part, or defer a decision to a later month. Once the Board has voted, their recommendation is taken to the next Guild meeting, the approved requests are explained to the members and a motion requested for each donation.

And that’s when all the hands go up?
Yes, Guild members are always eager to spend this money to help our neighbors.

How do you know what happens after the check is sent?
Within six months from the time of receipt of funds, organizations are asked to submit a financial report itemizing how the money has been used. Also, we always receive a thank you note! In fact, where children are involved, we often receive a stack of delightfully personalized thank you notes.

Is there a limit on the amount of funds any one charity can receive?
Not specifically, although because we are aware of many different and worthwhile organizations operating in close proximity to Big Canoe, we might recommend a smaller donation in September and then give a further donation later if our budget allows.  Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis according to the strength of the charitable organization and the financial need.

Tell us about one of your larger donations
Between September and November last year, a total of $10,000 was given to St. Vincent de Paul Society in Pickens County. Two separate donations were requested and approved.  In September we gave $5,000 to support the Family Uplift Program, which provides financial assistance to single parents and/or families who are seeking to improve their job skills by attending courses at Chattahoochee Tech. Families in the program receive assistance with childcare, educational costs, rent, transportation and other expenses. The second check, also for $5,000, was given to the Community Heating Fund administered by St. Vincent de Paul. This fund assists Pickens County families—primarily those with children, the handicapped and elderly—with heat bills during the period of November through March. In 2008, 46 families received assistance to pay propane, natural gas or electricity heating bills. With the economic downturn and the resulting number of unemployed, even without factoring in the extreme cold experienced in January, the need this year was greater than ever.

Tells us about a couple other donations
Last November we voted to give $6,000 to Young Life of Dawson County to use partly for leadership training, but also to support weekend or weeklong camp scholarships for middle and high school students. Our donation enabled Young Life to provide transportation to and from Sharp Top Cove and subsequently to drop the price of camp for students. In that same month, we donated $1,200 to the 21st Century Community Learning Center in Dawson County. This is a new after school program at Robinson Elementary School, which has received the Federal 21st Century Grant. The Federal grant, which is payable through May 2010, provides for the cost of tuition in reading and math and currently serves 75 at-risk students. Through the donation given by the Guild, all the children in the program will receive an after school snack each day.

Thank you, Ann, and members of the Women’s Guild for your support of a better future for the citizens of Pickens and Dawson Counties. Your work is simply inspirational!