Anne Stroup

MWA is a diverse group of women from different professions, phases of life, and family backgrounds.  We work together to support local non-profit organizations through fundraising and service projects.  We also play together through our book club, walking club, social events, and service activities.  For me MWA offers a sense of community through both the people we are helping and our group of members.  When I stopped working full-time, I found MWA through their annual bingo event and knew I had found a part of my next chapter.

Everyone in the group leverages their skills in different ways.  This past year I got really involved in solicitating donations and building the 30-40 raffle baskets that are part of our bingo fundraiser.  It amazes me how charitable our local businesses are and the support they give through our fund-raising efforts. It really comes down to taking the time to talk with people and I enjoy connecting with these small business owners. Then a group of members got the items into baskets and made them look fabulous. Bingo is our largest fundraiser and takes a lot of work.  Our organization really works together to make it successful.  And if you get in a jam, someone is always there to help.

A second way our members connect is through our social events like book club, walking club and monthly social.  I try to attend the monthly socials.  My favorite are the trivia nights.  I am terrible at trivia  but always have a good time laughing with this great group of women.