Women's Board Marks 25th Anniversary
Women's Board Marks 25th Anniversary
Central Ohio Diabetes Association
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.
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Central Ohio Diabetes Association
1100 Dennison Ave
Columbus
OH
USA
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