Congratulations to the OH, Cincinnati-2 chapter, led by its founder, Karen Whitney, on 10 years together!

Karen began to recruit friends to start a chapter, but over time, the membership has changed as some women were unable to continue and others joined in their place. Now, Karen says all the members are new friends to her. Persistence was the key to getting the chapter started and having it continue to thrive a decade later.

“Many months we were only three or four attending,” she said. “We were fortunate to finally connect with women who were able to participate consistently. I have a true passion for the mission of DFW, as do the members of our group. It is just fine if you have a small chapter. Focus on why you are there and the importance and effect of collective giving, and the impact on the lives of women and girls, not on how many attend your meetings. Your group will come into its own as it is meant to be.”

Now, the group has about 50 on its roster, with 7 – 10 attending each month. Karen said she sends an email reminder for the meetings and almost all members donate online, which keeps her workload to a minimum. The group is transitioning to all online donations which will eliminate that responsibility for Karen.

Through the years, this unique group of women has formed a bond based on their commitment to DFW’s mission. That shared interest has forged friendships that would not have existed otherwise.

“We are a group of non-related, not previously connected women,” she said. “That made start-up difficult, and it took a long time for us to gel as a group, meaning that we had enough dedicated members to have a consistent turnout. We didn’t grow up together, work together, or know each other’s kids. That is good in that our focus, our reason for being together, is DFW. I think this makes our group very special. While we are all very different, we share a common bond, and we would not have met each other without DFW. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity DFW has provided me – to be part of the solution, to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. It is a small thing, but it is something. My favorite quote relates that just because you can’t do everything, it doesn’t mean you can’t do something.”