Karyn Lazareck, guest speaker at this year’s Women’s Endowment Fund luncheon, opened her speech with this quote by Theodore Roosevelt. She had seen the quote in a unique classroom created especially for children with autism. It was an idyllic environment for learning, created by gifted teachers. The quote was meant to inspire the youngsters to make the best of their own unique gifts, abilities and circumstances.

Karyn recognized that the quote reflects her own journey, her resolve to do what she can, with what she has, where she is. She recalled the birth of her son Jordan 28 years ago, which set her on the path of promoting and advancing inclusiveness for special needs children. “I never marveled at how naturally my older boys met their developmental milestones - until Jordan struggled with his. And I never appreciated how miraculous normal is - until it isn’t,” she said.             

Karyn’s story, poignant and passionate, was shared with a sold-out audience at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s Women’s Endowment Fund luncheon on May 7.  The luncheon also paid tribute to three philanthropic women: Arlene Fages, Faye-Parks Micay and Elaine Stoller. All three women chose life insurance as the means to make a legacy gift. Elaine was honoured posthumously and a video was shown in which she shares why and how she chose to made her gift. [To see the video, click here]             

The ongoing theme of the luncheon is “Heartstrings and Purse Strings”.

Co-Chairs of the Women’s Endowment Fund Committee, Laura Lomow and Debbie Gray expanded on the theme of personal philanthropy and invited women to attend a Coffee & Conversations event to learn more about the Women’s Endowment Fund. They announced this year’s WEF grant recipients:

• Knowles Centre is a non-profit treatment centre for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. The Women’s Endowment Fund provided a grant of $2,800 to replace the well-used furniture in two girls' bedrooms.
• Osborne House Inc. provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week, short-term safe and supportive residential environment for abused women and their children. The Women’s Endowment Fund provided a $10,000 grant to hire a Specialist who will provide the clients of Osborne House with counselling regarding coping behaviours, facilitate group sessions and train staff and volunteers.
• The Osteoporosis Society of Canada, Manitoba Chapter educates, empowers and supports individuals and communities in the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis. The Women’s Endowment Fund provided a grant of $700.00 to support a pilot project that will offer educational and peer support sessions for people who are newly diagnosed with osteoporosis.