Welcome to Women Giving Back Illinois     

August 20, 2026 MEETING
 

We raised $8,600 at our 23nd meeting! Thank you.

I'm happy to report great results from the 23rd Women Giving Back meeting to all three nominees presented.   

Thanks to the generosity of our members, we had a total of 47 donors, with a number of members giving not only to our selected charity, Camp One Step, but many donated to our second and third charities who presented on August 20.  Thank you to all who donated!  

Selected Charity

Camp One Step received $5,250 from 47 members.  This nonprofit provides year-round camp experiences for kids aged 0-19 with cancer and their families that foster joy, belonging, confidence and lifelong friendships.  

In addition, 20 people donated a total of $1,675 to The Bridge Teen Center which provides 350 free after school programs a year to teens in grades 7 through 12.

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Finally, 21 people donated the same amount of $1,675 to Fill A Heart 4 Kids which supports homeless, at risk, and foster children, providing food, critical necessities, life skills and educational support to them.  When I met with the founder today, she told me they are always looking for volunteers, so if you'd like to volunteer, go to its website and sign up.  She also mentioned that she is leery of the mail, and intends to send out tax donation letters this weekend.  If you don't receive one by the end of next week, please let me know.

The total dollars raised thus far from our August meeting is $8,600,   With big cutbacks in government funding, it's so important that individuals who can, step up and help fill the gap, and I'm so proud of the big hearts of our members. 

Our next meeting will be after Thanksgiving - date TBA - and it will be Animal Charity Night, so please send nominations my way.  If you have friends or relatives who want to join WGB, please send their contact information to me as well.    

Public Service Announcement:  As a bonus, beginning in 2026, charitable contributions up to $1,000 are deductible from federal income taxes ($2,000 if filing jointly) even if you don't itemize.  Additionally, if you direct the contributions from your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) from your IRA or your 401(K), those aren't taxable.  Check with your tax advisor for more details.  ​​

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Thank you all for your generosity in helping those in need. 

Sandy​​

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