Girls Inc Rings in Holidays Early with Angels Among Us
by James Coulter
Twas the week before Thanksgiving, and all through Venue 650, Angels Among Us was hosted, and the fundraiser was quite nifty. All the angel ornaments were hung on the Christmas tree with care, in hopes that a good donation for Girls Inc would be there. And the attendees with their bao, cheesy grits, and champagne, were carousing away during this holiday fundraising campaign.
Last Wednesday evening, Girls Inc. of Winter Haven hosted their annual holiday fundraiser with Angels Among Us at Venue 650. Despite the rainy weather earlier that evening, more than 200 to 250 attendees turned out for an evening of silent auctions, good food, and lively music and company.
For nearly 25 years, Girls Inc. of Winter Haven has been hosting this annual holiday tradition as a fundraiser for its many services and programs. According to its website, Girls Inc. is a non-profit organization “dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”
“At Girls Incorporated of Winter Haven, we believe that behind every girl is a truly unique individual. One that needs your time and experience to learn, grow, and succeed,” its website states. “Girls Inc. develops research-based informal education programs that encourage girls to take risks and master physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges.”
Peggy Threlkel, Executive Director, owes the event’s success to its dedicated board members. “That has really helped us with the advocacy they do out in the community wanting to get items and sponsors for us,” she said. “That really helps us grow.”
With the annual event being hosted during the holiday seasons, not only does it allow members like Peggy to celebrate the holidays early, but to also mingle with fellow members and supporters, especially those who only see each other yearly around this time.
“The one thing that I love, and I noticed it a lot this evening, there are some people I only see once a year, and it is here at the event, and it is great to see them,” she said. “Our anticipation for the future of Girls Inc. is to continue to grow our members, and grow our advocacy in the community, and grow our support.”
Carman Rich, Board Chair, concurs with Peggy in that the integral part of the event is the many people who help organize it, from volunteers to other board members.
“I think it is a wonderful event this time of year that brings everyone together,” she said. “We are very welcome to our community and their support, and [I love] being able to see everyone and enjoy the fellowship. I think Girls Inc. will grow and continue to serve the girls in our community.”
For more information about Girls Inc. of Winter Haven, visit their website at: https://www.girlsincwinterhaven.org/