by Penny Byrd
APWC just wrapped up its 16thyear, and Charlene Finamore, 2014 and 2015 president, has now passed the torch to Anne Lankford. As always, this organization has done much to benefit local communities, primarily Perquimans County. Two drives, one in the spring and the other in late summer, accomplished much. The Albemarle Pregnancy Resource Center in Elizabeth City received a total of 285 baby-related items (everything from bottles to clothing to toys and cash). In late summer APWC members and AP residents donated exactly 728 assorted items of school supplies for the benefit of Perquimans County students.
The Program Committee provided everything from soup to nuts…more accurately, from history to horses. Not only did Penelope Barker and her niece visit AP, but APWC also went to Edenton to take in some history, and last month to Elizabeth City for more of the same. For National Women’s Month in March we heard from four members as they shared their life experiences as nurses. As far as the horses, they were Arabian and can be found at Sycamore Stables in Chowan County, about 10 miles east of Edenton. We wrapped up 2015 with the traditional holiday luncheon at the Clubhouse, with a brief business meeting, good food, and some frivolity/entertainment too. Singing Jingle Bells, accompanied by an accordion, will long live in the members’ memories!
As a result of very successful fundraising in 2014, the Charitable Giving Committee was able to award three scholarships to high school senior girls ($1,000 each) in 2015. In addition, after a two-year hiatus due to a lack of applicants, APWC was also delighted to award funds ($875 each) to two Women In Transition. Various local charities also received cash donations throughout the year, and, last but not least, APWC provides Food Lion cards to AP’s landscape employees.
The Fundraising Committee went above and beyond the call of duty by conducting two Plantation Peanut drives and two drives offering AP-logo Tumblers and Playing Cards. They also held a very successful card party in September, offering gift baskets, works of art by AP crafters, a 50-50, and a Chef’s Table for Four drawing, resulting in a net figure of $6,700 raised for scholarships in 2016.