Women's Board Marks 25th Anniversary
By Kristine Perry
This
year marks the Central Ohio Diabetes Association's Women's Board 25th
Anniversary, the celebration commemorates a long legacy of achievements
made by the group started in 1980.
The
group was originally started by Linda Wolske, whose daughter has
diabetes and whose father died from complications of the disease. These
events prompted her to start the group, because she believed that more
could be done to help the cause.
The group's initial purpose was to provide monetary support to the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, while educating group members about the disease and providing them with a forum to discuss their own feelings and experiences in relation to diabetes.
Ladies of the 80's (Seated from l to r) Linda Wolske, Ann Anderson, Diane McCloy, and Betsy Ortlip. (Standing
from l to r) Kay Briggs, Judy Lowe, Carol Eiber, Mollie Bassler, Ruth
Foster, June Harris, Lee Waylonis and Jane Kratsel.
"The first thing we did was have a luncheon at my house and had a number of people speak," Wolske said.
The
group included founding members; Joyce Briscoe, Eloise Brush, Eleanor
Gelpi, Barbara Hudson, Judy Lowe, Jacque McCall, Pat McMahon, Nancy
Ross, Wendy Tell, Marge Yoder and Wolske.
The
primary main goal of the Women's Board was to support the Central Ohio
Diabetes Association through monetary funds, but the group has done so
much more over the years.
Mollie Bassler, a long-time member of the group, believes that the fund-raising is important but the closeness of the Women's Board is the best aspect.
"The
best part is absolutely the friendships you make with people with a
common interest and that share a life experience that you're going
through," Bassler said.
Wolske said, "The camaraderie and support that we gave each other is the best part."
While
the close-knit group primarily values its priceless aspects, the
members feel the Central Ohio Diabetes Association has greatly
benefited from their fund-raising efforts.
Social Services Director, Darlene Honigford believes that the Women's Board has greatly impacted the agency.
"The
Women's Board has had a major influence on the agency through their
fund-raising and financial support. Several members of the Women's
Board are actively involved in the agency," Honigford said.
Over
the past 25 years the Women?s Board has raised $854,013 for the Central
Ohio Diabetes Association according to the Board's current President,
Suzanne Perry. The money has primarily gone to fund children's and
educational programs.
According
to Honigford, the group helps support all of the youth camps, a
scholarship program and assists in paying for nurses to attend the Kids
Camp.
Wolske
remarked that the group has also helped spread the agency's name in the
community and is responsible for the growth of the agency as a whole.
She also said this has been due to the caring and giving nature of the
Women's Board members.
The
members cherish dearly the lasting friendships and connections they
have made with each other and the impact the group has left on their
lives.
"I've
heard that most people usually stay with an organization as a volunteer
for three years. I've been with this one for 22 years. It's not
something I did for recreation, I did it because I have a connection to it," Bassler said.
"I
think the Women's Board has been a great booster for the Central Ohio
Diabetes Association and we've been responsible for a lot of their
success. I really think we've made great accomplishments and hope that
it continues," Wolske concluded.