Women's Giving Circle Expands to Burke-Fairfax-Springfield

Ten years ago the Giving Circle of Hope began in Reston when four women began meeting for potluck dinners and wine and donating the cost of dining out to give to charitable organizations in their community. The group expanded as they invited friends and neighbors to pledge $1 a day or $365 annually.  To date, the Giving Circle of Hope has made grants of over $500,000 to more than 40 exceptional nonprofit groups throughout Northern Virginia.  While their impact has been regional, most of the events and activities so far have been held in the Reston area where they began. Now two members have decided to expand the Circle by hosting events closer to where they live.  An information session will be held on Tuesday night,  at the Burke Centre Library January 27 at 7pm.

Over dessert and coffee, two of the Giving Circle members will share how they have fun with a purpose and invite women in Burke, Fairfax, Springfield area to get involved to create positive change through small contributions of money and time.   Patti Stevens, of Burke, first learned of  the Giving Circle of Hope through her work in human services for Fairfax County “I saw the impact this small group of women was making not just through giving and volunteering occasionally, but by educating themselves and others about the important community issues and needs like hunger, aging in place, human trafficking, early childhood literacy, and immigration reform.  And they were having fun!” 

Becky Valentine of Fairfax Station learned of the Giving Circle through the Lifetime Leaders program of Leadership Fairfax.  She was impressed by the careful review of the grants selection process in which every contributing member has a vote, and how other women with careers, children and grandchildren,  were able to fit the Giving Circle into their busy lives.   If you have been looking for a way to meet new people, engage and make a difference, but don't have lots of time or money, this is a great way!  Learn more on the Giving Circle of Hope Facebook page or givingcircleofhope.org

or email patti.stevens@cox.net