Most business organizations have one goal in mind - networking to create more business. But a new local group is using its resources for a generous cause, while seeking members to join the mission along the way.
As the name suggests, the Business Women of Fayette and Coweta County (BWFC) consists of women entrepreneurs and business leaders, but what’s unique about this savvy group is that they also share a heart for public service.
Formed in 2009, BWFC members put their heads together to focus on three local causes to support through fundraising or service efforts during the year.
"You have a lot of women looking to make a difference, not just in finance, but in how we can make a positive change in the community," said Ellie White-Stevens, BWFC spokeswoman. Three years ago, BWFC President Wendy Maguire, owner of Maguire's Family and Friends Irish Pub and Family Restaurant in Senoia, introduced the idea of forming a service group to fellow business woman, Patti Kadkhodaian, who would later become the co-founder of BWFC.
"I frequented a coffee shop that Wendy had, and she came to me with the idea for us to give back through charity," said Kadkhodaian, owner of AJAKO promotional advertising company in Peachtree City.
So in their first attempt, the women teamed up to gather volunteers, who raised $3,000 in donations for the American Cancer Society's "Cattle Baron's Ball" in Fayette County, the world's largest single-night fundraiser for cancer research.
Kadkhodaian said the initial success encouraged them to make their group official, which is a process on the verge of completion.
The Cattle Baron's Ball remains one of the three projects BWFC is currently working on. The group is also sorting out renovation plans for the Community Welcome House in Coweta County as the second project, which ties into the third in the series, an "extreme home makeover."
The BWFC has elected to assist the Community Welcome House, designed to be a safehaven for women and children of domestic violence, by supplying decor furnishings that withstand the volume of families at the facility.
A committee is also spearheading room renovations, to include wall-painting among other spruce-ups, to make for a cozier environment.
BWFC is looking for women in the business community who have a heart for giving to join the organization.
The cost for membership is $50 for a year. Meetings are held at Maguire's Family and Friends Irish Pub and Family Restaurant in Senoia on the fourth Tuesday of every even month Senoia, 7 p.m.
The next meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 23, featuring Amy Anderson of Aim Me, who will facilitate with tips on life and career transitions. Food will also be available to order.
For more information about the Business Women of Fayette and Coweta County, visit them online at www.bwfcc.org or e-mail inquires to contact@bwfcc.org. |
