RSVP now!  Don’t miss the 5th annual Women’s Fund Site Visit on Wednesday, October 7!

This is a must-do event…and here’s why:

• It’s educational. You’ll learn a lot about our community from the 2008-09 Women’s Fund grantees who will illustrate the impact we’re having on women, children and families in our community.

• It’s easy. All you have to do is park at Earl Warren Showgrounds by 9:30 am on October 7, and we’ll take you by bus to tour three agencies and then to lunch and a tour at United Boys & Girls Club in Goleta. You’ll hear from the rest of our grantees after lunch and be whisked back to Earl Warren by 1:45 pm. Among the most moving and informative four hours you’ll spend this year, we guarantee!!

• It’s free. Thanks once again to Women's Fund member Carole MacElhenny for generously underwriting lunch and Women’s Fund member Carolyn Novick and Santa Barbara Airbus for underwriting the cost of the bus.

Invitations are in the mail but you can reserve your spot now. RSVP to Janelle at Santa Barbara Foundation womensfund@sbfoundation.org or 963-1873 ext.110. For questions, please contact info@womensfundsb.org.

Don’t forget that we’re eager to share this day with potential Women’s Fund members. So reserve a spot for guests too.

Healthy outcomes change lives…

The October 7 site visit will provide an opportunity to hear many stories of how Women’s Fund grants are improving lives. Here’s one example:

Angela brought her 10-year-old son Jose to a Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinic for a well-child exam, where pediatrician Dr. Bartolini discovered Jose had signs of pre-diabetes. Exploring family history, Angela revealed that three of Jose’s four grandparents had diabetes and that Angela had not seen a doctor in years. At Dr. Bartolini’s urging, Angela enrolled in SBNC’s Priority Women’s Health Program and had a thorough medical exam. The results: Angela was diagnosed with diabetes with an A1C count of over 250, putting her at serious risk for heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Angela was immediately prescribed medication and enrolled in diabetes education classes. She and Jose received nutrition therapy and joined SBNC’s Priority Women’s Health Diabetes Support Group. Angela’s A1C count is now down to 122. Angela and Jose have both lost weight and, more importantly, have learned how to be proactive in creating a healthy family lifestyle. With the new i2iTracks software upgrade provided by the Women’s Fund’s $80,000 grant, SBNC clinicians are able to monitor diabetic patient history more accurately than ever before--giving patients like Angela and Jose a medical “home” that can support them as they literally learn how to build healthy and productive lives.

You are invited...

Women's Fund Founding Chair Carol Palladini has been chosen as one of three Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast at a reception on Thursday, September 24. This event will take place at Montecito Country Club from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The cost is $25 per person. Join in honoring Carol for her terrific contribution to our community in establishing the Women's Fund. You can register online at www.girlscoutsccc.org.