A Message from Marsha

Dear Friends,

I love the beginning of a new year. The months stretch out, full of promise and the anticipation of fresh beginnings. With the hope of great progress and accomplishments, resolutions abound. Whether we seek improvements in personal growth, a healthier lifestyle, more meaningful connections with others, or spiritual development, we have hope of a better tomorrow.

Looking back on 2011, I’ve seen great progress and improvement for thousands of women and girls because our members have hope that through our efforts we can change the lives of women, their families, their communities, and the world.  We have funded exciting programs all over the world, bringing hope to the founders, program directors, and the hard-working staff, all of whom are thrilled to know that after our diligent vetting of many good applicants, we’ve chosen them as responsible conduits for our donations and gifts of hope.

The dream of DFW continues spread!  Last year we saw an increase in program revenue of 66% and 105 new chapters launched! We started chapters in Dubai, Bristol, UK, and Canada. Our passionate members continue to amaze me with their inspirational leadership, numerous volunteer hours on committees and organization of fundraising events, planning, and traveling with DFW to programs we have supported in Peru and Nepal.

Looking forward to 2012, I see even more exciting opportunities to change lives. Our goal is 150 new chapters, each one of which represents change and lasting impact for women and girls around the world.  We are working to improve every aspect of our organization, from the systems and processes in our home office to our support and recognition of our membership and by making sure that we are implementing best practices on every level.

We work together to grow and to improve every aspect of DFW because we want to offer hope of progress and accomplishment, safety and security, peace and justice to more and more women and girls worldwide.  Our work is important; it is meaningful and urgent. Everywhere, there are needs waiting to be filled, programs waiting for funding, lives waiting to be saved. Thank you for sharing our mission of sharing with others the same things we wish for ourselves: connection, growth, and a future filled with promise. Here’s to an amazing 2012.

Warmly,
Marsha Wallace
President
Dining for Women