Members of Moore Women – A Giving Circle gathered in Pinehurst this month to celebrate community giving efforts while shedding light on the ongoing needs facing children and families in Moore County.
The organization hosted a recruitment social on May 13 at Community Presbyterian Church, where members, guests, and nonprofit leaders discussed how collective philanthropy continues to support local programs.
The Giving Circle operates as a program of the North Carolina Community Foundation and supports charitable groups serving women, children, and families in Moore County. Through pooled donations, members fund projects that “strengthen the community and expand opportunities for local residents.”
Twenty-two members and six guests attended the event, which was organized by Diane Anello, hospitality chair, and Wanda Sweeney, immediate past leadership committee co-chair. Members of the hospitality committee also assisted with the gathering.
One of the evening’s featured speakers was Judy Heffner, N.C. Pre-K administrator for Partners for Children & Families. Heffner spoke about the impact of a recent grant from the Giving Circle that funded six pre-kindergarten slots for children in Moore County, as the need for additional early childhood education opportunities is particularly strong in the area.
According to information shared during the event, Moore County ranks last out of all counties in North Carolina for available pre-K slots for children.
Members of Moore Women – A Giving Circle as seen throughout the event.
Multiple speakers continued to weigh in during the event. Diane Galusky, chair of the organization’s grants committee, discussed how the group evaluates grant applications using data from community assessments provided by the North Carolina Community Foundation. Jan Pender and Kelly Lee spoke about the role collective giving can play in addressing challenges in rural communities and supporting local nonprofits.
Representatives from the North Carolina Community Foundation also addressed attendees during the social.
Organizers said the event’s intent was not only to recruit new members but also to raise awareness of community needs and the impact of local giving.
Those interested in learning more about the organization or becoming members are encouraged to contact Jan Pender at [email protected] or 919-256-6914.
Feature photo L to R: Sandy Schnare, Rebecca Ainsley, Jan Pender, Liz Watson, Kelly Lee, and Barbara Keating.
Photos via Moore Women – A Giving Circle.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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