ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL Fund-raiser FOR THE pwa hISTORY BOOKS
LYNN SWEET, Washington bureau chief for the chicago sun-times
The PWA fundraiser, featuring Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times on February 2nd, was a great success! Approximately 170 people attended, including 18 sponsors and patrons, and we estimate that we cleared about $10,000. (Still getting some trailing contributions and bills, so no final number yet.)
The evening started with remarks from special guest Lt. Gov. John Cherry, who spoke highly of PWA and its reputation in the state (which we never get tired of hearing). Cherry also voiced his support of key issues, including pay equity, protecting women’s right to choose, and high-quality public education. Check out the video of his presentation at www.MichiganLiberal.com.
Our honoree for the Progressive Leadership Award, Joe Schwarz, was introduced by his friend and PWA Board member Marge Byington. We knew about Schwarz’s background as a physician, a former US Representative, and chair of the stem cell research group Cure Michigan, but Byington added other intriguing details, including his CIA service and his passion for railroads! Representative Schwarz encouraged attendees to keep working for progressive causes.
The featured speaker, Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief for the Chicago Sun-Times, spoke for close to an hour with keen observations about President Obama’s career, campaign, and Cabinet choices. After watching her so many times on political news shows, it was fun to see her live and up close. She was very generous with her time and tireless in answering our questions.
The receptions beforehand were buzzing as attendees enjoyed refreshments and conversation in the beautiful facilities at the downtown Pew Campus of GVSU. PWA Chairperson Melissa Anderson emceed the evening with her usual grace and skill.
Special thanks go out to:
Lynn Sweet, for waiving her speaker fee in honor of her cousin, PWA member Ellyn Wolfson;
Ellyn & Jeff Wolfson, for their generosity in hosting and underwriting Lynn’s travel expenses;
Noreen Myers, Kristin Salerno, and Joan Bowman for organizing the event;
Eva Sitek, graphic designer, for preparation of all the printed materials;
Dianne Carroll Burdick, our wonderful photographer;
Lois Tomasiewicz and the PWA Membership Committee for staffing the reception;
Beth Gumina, of Gumina’s Flowers, for the stunning bouquet at the check-in table;
Denise Busman, for wielding the microphone during Q&A;
Amanda Narvaes, for keeping track of ticket sales and umpteen other details;
Emily Akers, for able assistance with check-in;
All our PWA Board members for their participation in selling tickets, the member call-out, and volunteering at the reception;
And all of you, the friends and supporters of the Progressive Women’s Alliance!
Front Seat, Front Page: Covering Barack Obama
February 2, 2009
6:00pm Guest Receptions / 7:00 Program
GVSU Pew Campus / Loosemore Auditorium
General reception (w/cash bar) and program: $50.
Private reception and program: $250 Sponsor or $500 Patron.
|