Development activities at the WCC involve the President, Board of Directors, members of the Development, Executive and Finance Committees, and the Membership and Development Coordinator. Development strategy originates in the Development Committee, working in concert with the President. WCC volunteers create, implement and evaluate the various events and solicitations that constitute “development.” Programmatic grants from foundations and corporations, fundraising events, an annual appeal, bequests, and unsolicited gifts throughout the year all contribute to the WCC’s support. We are grateful to all who contributed their time and provided the funding for our educational and advocacy initiatives. A complete list of donors is included in the annual report.
If you would like to support the WCC, please donate here or contact our Membership and Development Coordinator.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
Civic Spirit Awards Dinner
WCC 95th Anniversary Honoree Eleanor Jackson Piel
(April 25, 2011): Hosted by G. Angela Henry, this year’s highly successful Civic Spirit Awards dinner honored Eleanor Jackson Piel, Esq., Fern Khan and David R. Caplan. WCC’s 95th Anniversary Honoree Eleanor Jackson Piel has been a member since 1966 and serves as Co-Counsel to the organization. The only woman in her law school class of 1943, she is a trailblazer in criminal law and civil rights issues, and was introduced by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr.
Dean of the Division of Continuing Education at Bank Street College, WCC member Fern Khan’s 21 years at the college included developing Bank Street’s Head Start program to meet the needs of homeless children and families, overseeing and managing programs, personnel and budget. Introducing Dean Khan was fellow WCC member and former Bank Street President Augusta Souza Kappner.
David Caplan, a Board member of National Public Radio and 3 time honoree as “Man of the Year” before retiring from a successful career in the apparel and textile industries, currently works as the “Dean” for City Year New York. Writer Morgan Pehme, Executive Director of New York Civic, provided introductory remarks for Mr. Caplan.
A silent auction and ads in the evening’s program increased the enjoyability and profitability of the event. Decorated baskets of food items served as the centerpieces. They were assembled by WCC members and were contributed to the West Side Campaign Against Hunger food pantry after the event.
Theater Benefit
Theater Benefit Invitation
(January 29, 2012) WCC members and guests saw “The Road to Mecca,” Written by Athol Fugard and starring Rosemary Harris, Jim Dale and Carla Gugino. “The Road to Mecca” tells the story of an elderly woman who has spent the years since her husband’s death transforming her South African home into a dazzling work of art. The recluse has become depressed and appears increasingly unable to care for herself. The local pastor, who embodies the village’s conservative values, is determined to get Miss Helen into an old-age home. Her friend, a young teacher from Cape Town who is deeply suspicious of the patriarchal traditions the pastor represents, is just as determined that Miss Helen remain free. After the show, most of the theater-goers enjoyed each other’s company and a delicious dinner nearby at Sardi’s.
Civic Fund
(launched September 2009) Acknowledging the deep recession and anticipated budget cuts from the City and State, the Civic Fund appeal focused on the importance of WCC efforts to protect vulnerable populations now and throughout the organization’s 95-year history.
Neuberger Lecture
(June 2, 2009) Columbia University School of Social Work Dean Jeanette C. Takamura served on the Obama transition team and delivered a fascinating talk on the challenge of maintaining health and social services in times of economic crisis. The lecture series was established to memorialize past WCC president Marie Neuberger.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Ruth Acker, President; Helen Aronstein, Anne Impellizzeri, Elizabeth Lubetkin Lipton, and Eva-Maria Tausig.
