Women of Today Embracing Community Friendship, Spirit
SYRACUSE — If you walked in on a regular monthly meeting of the local organization, Women of Today, you may think you had interrupted a social gathering of friends. The women are quite literally “of today,” in their progressive ideas and approach to community service. Step back for a minute.
WOT, as they fondly call themselves, is a group of women in the Kosciusko community who are geared toward philanthropy, but also like to bring delicious snacks and wine to their meetings. If you huddle too closely while plotting donations, you may end up with baked Brie in your hair.
The group is a registered not for profit organization, so they keep all their donations local to continue holding that status. The organization’s current president is also a local smiling face, Holly Tuttle, although the group has been around since the early 1980s. The purpose of WOT is to bring together strong, intelligent women who want to reach out and offer help to the underprivileged youth in the community.
WOT is a huge supporter of local programs for youth. The women have been supporting Rock Solid, an after school program, for many years. They also recently sponsored one of the students in Vocal Motion at Wawasee High School. The Cardinal Center also received a $500 check from the group. Although the organizations provides donations and assistance for many local charities like Lakeland Youth Center, and supports graduates with one $1,000 scholarship each year, packing backpacks is their true claim to fame.
During the summer, WOT members begin plotting the best way to stuff backpacks full of school supplies for students who may need help getting them. The women go on a shopping spree, picking up composition notebooks, pencils, markers, crayons and all kinds of other necessary school supplies. In July, the group gathers to fill the backpacks and distribute them. At least 30 backpacks are sent to each Wawasee elementary school — Milford, North Webster and Syracuse.
The WOT women are also planning for the summer 2016 Wawasee Flotilla, which they participate in each year. This year’s theme, “Christmas in July,” had all the ladies excited to start decorating and scheming. WOT is also planning ahead for the yearly fundraiser, held at the Oakwood Resort. The date for the event, June 17, has been officially set and a deposit made to hold the spot. The women are currently discussing theme ideas for the fun event.
The next meeting will be held Oct. 26, and any local women interested in assisting the group or joining are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Tuttle at (574) 457-3775 or visit the group’s Facebook page.