Main Sections

Philosophy & Philanthrophy Come Together to Create Sweet Charity

photo provided

photo provided

Tuesday December 30, 2008

By Cookie Steponaitis

    While Margaret Mead never met Liz Ryan, Liz Markowski, and Patty Paul, she must have had them in mind when she remarked, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” What began as a walk down the road by three friends expanded into a conversation, and then into community action. Spurred on by the realization that they were at a point in their lives where their children were leaving the nest, they wanted to give back to the community that had supported them. While each felt energized to “make a difference,” they decided that collectively they could make more impact.

    Between March of 2007 and August of 2007 the group formed a 501C3 group called Women of Wisdom and opened Sweet Charity Resale Shop in Vergennes. Fifty percent of their profits go to the Hospice Volunteer Services for their volunteer programs and the remaining 50% percent is given back to the community through the Women of Widsom. “ In the past two years we have helped with a wide variety of grants and local needs, “ remarked Women of Wisdom Board member Patty Paul. “ We keep our focus on Vergennes, Addison, Panton, Waltham, Ferrisburgh and North Ferrisburgh and to date have provided money for rent deposit, scholarships, cribs, VUHS programs, books, Boys & Girls Club programs for girls and more. We also sponsor lectures for women and focus them on issues that have global impact. We keep our funds and programs focused on women and their children. Without this community, none of this would be possible. At present, we have a count on the number of couches that have passed through the store in the last year and a half, and we are up to 76.”

    With the holidays coming up, the Women of Wisdom encourage all of you to consider the treasures found in Sweet Charity on your list. On Saturday, December 13th, they are sponsoring a Kid’s Day with assistance for wrapping. Gifts at the store range from collectables, jewelry, paintings and a host of other wonderful treasures. As your shopping list gets smaller, you would also have the satisfaction of helping those who are helping the communities that they call home.  Silent Auctions every month on featured donated items are interspersed with a wonderful collection of gifts and items that range from practical to fanciful.

   The current Women of Wisdom board includes Liz Ryan, Liz Bicknell, Liz Markowski, Patty Paul, Lynn Donnelly, Martha Redpath, Mary McKinnon, Candy Vincent, Rosemary Mueller, Joyce Hawes and Jean Sweeney. Walking into the store is an experience that can be taken at many different levels. This reporter was enchanted with the selection, presentation and variety of the items there, as well as being invigorated and inspired by women who decided to make a difference and found comrades to take the journey into community service with them. Leaving the store I thought that a fitting sign for the group would be the words of philosopher Sun Tzu, “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” Come by and see Sweet Charity. The store and the women behind it are a winning combination.

Printer Friendly

Top

Advertisements

Search our Archives