At Easter , PHWA assembles and donates Easter baskets for children whose families are served by the NH Food Bank . At Christmas , the group adopts several families through local agencies and provides them with Christmas gifts .
Each year , the group ’ s president also chooses a nonprofit for her President ’ s Project . “ This becomes our main focus for the year and is supported by several fundraising activities ,” says Candioto . “ Our major event is a Spring Luncheon that includes fantastic basket raffles , a gift card tree , lottery game chances , a 50-50 raffle and much more .”
Candioto ’ s President ’ s Project for the 2022-23 club year is the Dalton Bacco “ Living the Dream ” Fund , which was established to mentor and provide support to teens and young adults in foster care . It also provides experiences the kids may not otherwise have , such as attending sporting events , having dinner at a sit-down restaurant , and going on shopping trips before Christmas — to name just a few .
“ I read about the Bacco family and their nonprofit in the North Hills monthly paper and as soon as I read the article , it spoke to my heart and I just knew this was an organization that I wanted to support ,” says Candioto . “ Carrie and Frank Bacco took their love for their son and turned the Dalton Bacco ‘ Living the Dream ’ Fund into a living legacy of caring after his tragic death . The Baccos are residents of West View , which means we are supporting a nonprofit here in our community . After reaching out and finding out more about their fund and their mission , I was even more convinced that this would be a great fit for PHWA .”
The association ’ s year runs from September through May . Monthly meetings are the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p . m . at Ascension Lutheran Church .
“ We have guest speakers or provide educational or entertainment programs ,” adds Candioto . “ Our group also sponsors social outings to promote a sense of camaraderie and friendship . Some of our members are working , some are young
moms , others are retired and travel . We understand how busy everyone ’ s lives are . Members can participate as much or as little as they want .”
PHWA is a great organization if you want to give back to the community or are looking for an outlet that is all your own . There are no special requirements other than being a woman with a willingness to help , meet new people and have fun . You can live anywhere in the northern area including , but not limited to , West View , Ross and McCandless . There have been members through the years from Crafton to Cranberry .
The Perry Highland Women ’ s Association will be hosting a meet-and-greet for anyone interested in finding out more about the organization . The event will take place Aug . 25 at 7 p . m . at Ascension Lutheran Church , 8225 Peebles Road , McCandless .
If you are interested in attending or have any questions , contact Kathleen at kmc306 @ verizon . net or Diane at ladydi213 @ yahoo . com . n
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