Announcements:

1. January Bright Blessings Project:
  -    Please donate long-sleeved infant onesies and teething rings - can order on Amazon
and ship directly to Becky or drop off on her porch.
2. February 6:
-     New focus: Sterling Math & Science!
3. Philanthropy Brunch at Becky Hart’s:
-     Friday, January 24 from 10 am to 12 noon; 4132 Old Course Drive, Charlotte (Piper
Glen).
4. Next Meeting: February 6 at 12:30, Uwharrie Bank.

Volunteer Coordinator Reports:

 
1. Assistance League:
-     Next Volunteer Event will be the April collection of summer activity items for children.
2. Bright Blessings:
-     As noted above.
3. Classroom Central:
-     Today’s guest speaker is Darden Blow, Director of Committee Engagement, who
provided an overview – see summary below. Following the presentation, we prepared
word cards for teachers.
4. Dress for Success:
-     New project! Marda Kornhaber is the volunteer coordinator.
5. Promising Pages:
-     Next events will be January 23 and February 20 from 10 am to 12 noon.
New initiative – Novel & Nightcaps:
      *Adult Bookfair, bringing favorite independent bookstores under one roof! Shop
curated collections and sample beverage flights and bites from iconic book
settings.
     *Thursday, February 27 from 6 pm to 9 pm – The Union at Station West, 919
Berryhill Road, Suite 105, Charlotte 28202
6. Safe Alliance:
-     December Fundraiser was a great success with a record donation of $11,520!
7. Sterling Math & Science:
-      STEM Fundraiser to be held on Friday, March 28 from 6-9 pm at Ballantyne Country
Club.
-      Theme is Starry Night; event will include dinner, silent auction, bourbon tasting and
raffle!

Classroom Central Overview:
* Founded in 2002 to provide teachers in underprivileged schools with basic school
supplies, books and hygiene items.
* Classroom Central serves 162,000 K-12 students in 248 schools in NC & SC.
* $100 million in supplies given to schools as of October 2024!
* 4 major initiatives:
     1. Free Store: their flagship program – supplies teachers with basic school materials to
help defray the average $1000 teachers spend out of pocket each year. Teachers
receive $1500 to $2000 worth of supplies in a typical monthly shopping visit.
     2. Mobile Store: a large van visits schools on Mondays to serve teachers who can’t
travel to the main location. Average spend is $1200.
     3. Curbside Pickup: Teachers can order online and drive up to receive supplies.
     4. Launch Box Service: CC identifies new teachers and provides a box of supplies
each month for their first two years.
* Classroom Central is supported by 3800 volunteers, who assist with filling online orders
and restocking shelves.
* CWC volunteers one day per month from 9 am to 12 noon. Individuals may also
volunteer on an ad-hoc basis by registering on the Classroom Central website.

Attendance:
Betty Blackwell, Marian Bosian, Debra Cleary-Scharf, Mary Collier, Sandra Darst, Pinky
Dukes, Barbara Hambacher, Becky Hart, Dorinda Jenkins, Susie Marlier, Kathy Marcello,
Marlene McClaim, Mary McGarvey, Susan Perkins, Tammy Podrebarac, Chrys Rhodes, Carol
Rubin, Mary Schild, Abbie Volpini, Sandy Wolchok
Welcome to 3 New Members: Pinky Dukes, Mary McGarvey and Marlene McClam!!