01 Jul LO Spotlight: BPW/Englewood-Venice
Local Organization:
Established (chartered) in:
Number of members:
BPW/Englewood-Venice
1960
25
What’s interesting or unique about your location for working women?
The Business and Professional Women of Englewood and Venice (BPW/EV) will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the organization on October 16, 2020, at a newly opened Wine Bar “Rumours” in the Lemon Bay Shopping Center in Englewood. This celebration will be in conjunction with the BPW/EV Annual Wine Tasting fundraiser to support its Adult Learner Scholarships and to benefit BPW/EV.
BPW/EV’s longest serving member is Carol Kouba, who will begin her 41st year as a member in December 2020. She has served in most positions in BPW/EV and is currently serving as Newsletter and Public Policy Chair. Carol is always willing to help promote the organization and is present at all meetings and events
What are your meetings and networking activities like?
Each month, the group meets at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice for its monthly dinner meeting. Interesting and informative speakers are scheduled each month. Topics have included health, exercise, beauty, investing, banking and motivational speakers, among many others.
What was your most popular or best-attended event in the past year? Do you have special events every year?
Fundraising events scheduled for 2020 include a Women’s Workshop in December and a Holiday Party at the home of a member. In order to raise additional funds for adult scholarships, a “cookies for scholarship” was started by a member who loves to bake. All of the ingredients will be donated, cookies will be sold and 100% of the money collected will go back to BPW/EV.
How does your organization participate in community-wide events?
BPW/EV remains active in the community. Recently, members donated hundreds of dollars in cleaning and personal hygiene products to “Our Mother’s House,” a local organization in Venice. During the Holiday season, BPW/EV participates in Women Helping Women, a program sponsored by the Salvation Army in Englewood. Each year, members donate funds to purchase toys and clothing for low income families. It also participates in Women for Seniors at a local senior center. Last year, members picked names of seniors in need and presented them with beautiful gifts at a Holiday Party. The LO has also helped raise money for United Way of South Sarasota County by participating in their yearly charity walk. Group members have also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, Tidewell Hospice, Turtle Patrol and Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County.
What does your organization do to promote political awareness?
BPW/EV periodically reminds members of local and state issues. The LO is careful not to promote one view or another, but rather encourages members to educate themselves and make decisions based on facts, not opinions.
What opportunities for personal and professional development do you offer?
We offer yearly workshops with speakers on many topics of interest to our members. Topics range from safe use of technology, personal health, spiritual health, personal challengers, and cosmetic options for today’s women, among many others.
How do you support scholarships locally?
BPW/EV has its own scholarship, which is awarded to adult women returning to higher education. Each year, three or four scholarships are awarded.
How do you reach potential new members in your community?
Monthly announcements appear in two area newspapers. Also through social media presence.
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