Finding Liberty at the Golden Door
An evening with Rusty Brown

The Giving Alliance of Women is proud to invite its members and their guests to a wonderful performance by writer and dramatist, Rusty Brown. She will be performing her one-woman show, Finding Liberty at the Golden Door, at the Cape Coral Historical Society Museum. 

Rusty's show recalls the life of Emma Lazarus, the poet and humanitaranbehind the famous words that grace the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. 

(Ladies only, please. The guys will have opportunities to join us later in the year!)

Seating is limited, so don't delay in purchasing your tickets!

Wednesday, April 27

Cape Coral Historical Society Museum
544 Cultural Park Boulevard

Hors d'oeuvres and drinks at 5:00pm
Performance begins at 5:30pm
Tickets available only at the Cape Coral Community Foundation - 239.542.5594


Member Spotlight
Carolyn Comrie of the Comrie Cancer Foundation

Doug and Carolyn Comrie actively pursued the development of clean energy technologies starting in the early 2000's, and by 2005 commercialization commenced rapidly across the U.S. Today, some 40 plants are in operation, producing clean energy.

In an effort to share in their economic success, Doug and Carolyn knew it was time to give back to society, and The Comrie Foundation was formed in 2014. Through the foundation, they have contributed to various organizations and charities that help those in need, whether the brave men and women fighting overseas to secure our freedom, or the single mother who struggles to make ends meet. 

Prior to forming the foundation, Doug and Carolyn had the opportunity to take part in the Mardi Bras and Boxers Ball. After developing an interest in what the event was trying to accomplish, they became a bigger contributor and more involved with the growth of the fundraiser. After seeing it develop over the last few years, they were approached to have their foundation take on the responsibilities of the event to grow it into something bigger. The Comrie Cancer Foundation now holds multiple fundraisers throughout Southwest Florida and Ohio. 

The 2016 Mardi Bras and Boxers Ball was another evening of merriment and generosity. As a result, the Comrie Cancer Foundation proudly presented a check in the amount of $75,000 to the Regional Cancer Center. 

Thank you, Doug and Carolyn, for your continued support and dedication to our community. You are truly making a difference.


Mayor Marni Sawicki with Marie Springsteen, founder of 4 Words Foundation
Charity Spotlight
4 Words Foundation

4 Words Foundation was founded in 2013 after founder Marie Springsteen's breast cancer diagnosis. "During my treatment I wrote a book titled 4 Words which was a cathartic effort to understand my own diagnosis and treatment in hopes I could help someone else who might need support and encouragement." Marie was extremely fortunate that her cancer was discovered early and her prognosis was excellent. During her journey, she met a lot of individuals going through treatment for different cancers and decided she needed to do something to raise awareness about the importance of health screenings in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of ALL cancer.  
 
Along with the support of her best friend, Janette L'Heureux, and her niece, Corinne Abbott, 4 Words Foundation, Inc. was formed. It is a completely volunteer nonprofit organization with no compensated staff. It assists those without insurance, and those with insurance who cannot afford the copays, deductibles, or coinsurance required to ensure patients get their screenings, biopsies, or additional testing needed for their diagnoses.
 
4 Words Foundation's fundraising efforts include events such as its annual bed race, 5k run/walks, grants, and the generous support of the local community.  All funds raised in Southwest Florida, remain in the local community to support the mission.

Support the Giving Alliance of Women Bed Race Team

We need you! You can show your support of our bed race team and this great cause by helping our team reach the goal of raising $1000 or by cheering our team members on during the race. If you are interested in joining the team, please reply to this email. 


Focus on Philanthropy
Support Your Favorite Charity 
by Donna Caruso

According to the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, in 2013 total charitable giving from U.S. individuals, corporations, foundations and bequests exceeded $335 billion.
One way to support your favorite charity is by giving the gift of life insurance. Here are just a few ways you can use this proven method to contribute money to your favorite causes:
  • Donate an existing policy - If you already own a policy and no longer need the death benefit, you can irrevocably transfer ownership of the policy to your desired charity. While the charity would be responsible for any remaining premiums, they will receive the entire death benefit when you die.
  • List the charity as a beneficiary - As the owner, you remain in control of your policy and can leave money to as many beneficiaries as you like, including your charity (ies) of choice.
  • Purchase a separate policy - You can purchase a separate policy specifically for the charity.
  • Create a Charitable Remainder Trust - While this planned-giving tool is designed to shelter assets such as stocks and real estate, you can also incorporate life insurance, if it is set up correctly. Be sure to consult an attorney before pursuing this approach.
Giving life insurance can be a lasting and recession-proof way to support a worthy cause. Depending on the method you choose, it may also offer a variety of tax benefits.

Offered as a courtesy by Donna J. Caruso, CLU ChFC, Financial Professional with the New York Life Insurance Company.
Neither New York Life Insurance Company nor its agents provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, or accounting professionals before making any decision.


CCCIA Hammers & Hope
Habitat for Humanity Women Build

For several years, the Giving Alliance of Women has supported Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program by joining the CCCIA's Hammers & Hope team. 

If you would like to join the team or lend your financial support, visit the team page .

Photos, news, and events can always be found on our website. Click here!

Thank you for being part of a group of inspiring women who truly make a difference in our community, focusing on women and children. Your membership allows the Giving Alliance of Women to support local agencies and initiatives through grants and special projects.