If you missed the Women's Fund's 9th Annual Presentation of Funds luncheon on April 29, you missed a three-hankie event!

Eight outstanding new 2012-13 grant recipients moved us to tears with their powerful stories of how $525,000 in Women's Fund grants will change lives in our community. From homeless women to teens at risk, from low-income families to women trying to reach economic independence - this year's grantees will help meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our local area.

For example, in response to the announcement of a $100,000 Women's Fund grant to Women's Economic Ventures (WEV), Marsha Bailey, CEO and Founder, quoted Melody, a WEV graduate who was inspired by the agency's programs and loans:

"Armed with knowledge, bright with hope, we will work to make not only our own lives better, but the lives of those around us. We are resolved to give back to our community. We are resolved to help others learn that dreams can become reality if you are willing to work hard and grow and stretch your mind so that it can grasp a greater understanding."

Melody's words were echoed by every speaker who movingly described the impact the Women's Fund grants will have on educating and empowering local women, children and families.

For more information about the Presentation Luncheon, click here for Noozhawk story by Women's Fund member and local journalist Leslie Dinaberg.

View luncheon photos in our Photo Gallery.

The 2012-13 Women's Fund grant recipients, in order from left to right:

(Back row) Gabriela Rodriguez, Program Director, Future Leaders of America; Magda Arroyo, Unit Director, Westside Boys and Girls Club; Victoria Juarez, Executive Director, Girls Inc of Carpinteria; Marsha Bailey, Founder and CEO, Women's Economic Ventures.

(Front row) Dr. David Cash, Superintendent, Santa Barbara United School District for Youth Violence Prevention Program; LuAnn Miller, Executive Director, Isla Vista Youth Projects; Frank Bognar, Regional Director, Catholic Charities of Santa Barbara; Marguerite Sanchez, Treasurer, Doctors Without Walls - Santa Barbara Street Medicine.

• Catholic Charities of Santa Barbara ($50,000)-for emergency supplemental food and case management to aid low-income families in crisis.

• Doctors Without Walls - Santa Barbara Street Medicine ($50,000)-for the Women's Free Homeless Clinic to provide medical care and essential services to unsheltered and marginally sheltered women in a safe, female-only environment.

• Future Leaders of America ($65,000)-for training and academic support to promote responsible leadership development for community youth.

• Girls Inc. of Carpinteria ($50,000)-for the Eureka! Program, which prepares young girls to attend college and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

• Isla Vista Youth Projects ($50,000)-for capital funds to improve the Isla Vista Family Resource Center infrastructure and playground.

• Westside Boys and Girls Club ($75,000)-for renovation and expansion of its clubhouse to create an educational resource center.

• Women's Economic Ventures ($100,000) - for a micro-loan fund to assist low-income south Santa Barbara County women in starting or expanding their own businesses.

• Youth Violence Prevention Program ($85,000) - for a female outreach worker to reduce gang-related conflict and violence among at-risk girls in Santa Barbara secondary schools

Inspired by the stories of our new grantees, now is the perfect time to join or renew your Women's Fund membership for 2013.

The money we all contribute in 2013 will make up the grants pool that we'll award in Spring 2014. So, just as we have been inspired by the wonderful programs we celebrated on April 29, you'll want to renew your membership for 2013 so you can share in choosing and honoring a new group of worthy grantees next Spring.

Three details about Women's Fund memberships:

• With $122,000 remaining of Betty Elings Wells' 2012 matching grant, all donations will be matched in 2013 -- $2 for every $1 donated - after we reach a threshold of $350,000.

• If you have a choice we would prefer you pay by check because otherwise we pay a credit card processing fee.

• December 31st is the last day we can accept your membership contributions for 2013. We, the Women's Fund volunteers, would appreciate receiving your contributions by early December as the end of the year is such a busy time for all.

Click here to join or learn more about Women's Fund membership.