This is the time of year when we pause to appreciate our good fortune - our family, our friends, our generous community. Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys Thanksgiving and the holidays that follow for they can be poignant reminders of what's missing in our lives.

That's why the Women's Fund is such an important investment in our local community. We not only make a difference in the lives of women, children and families throughout the year, but we enrich our own lives when we come together to help others.

So thank you to our generous members - from some of the many families we've helped with our support.

It's also that time of year when our volunteer Research Committee enters the final phase of their rigorous process: narrowing the choices of agencies that will be on the ballot next March. But it is important for our Research Committee's work to know how big that grants pool will be - which is where we need your help.

Although the deadline for joining the 2013 Women's Fund is December 31, the sooner you join or renew, the better we'll be able to finalize our research for our upcoming ballot. And remember, if you don't join by December 31, you aren't eligible to vote in March to determine where our grants pool will go.

So if you haven't done so already, make your 2013 Women's Fund contribution today. You'll be thankful you did.

Next month we will highlight what we learned from you in the Women's Fund member survey completed this fall. We heard from 40% of our membership, an outstanding response rate, and your input was enlightening and encouraging. We look forward to sharing the results.

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