Event Recap: Social Hour for Social Issues
By Aimee Greeter & Patricia Massey Hoke
This week’s Social Hour for Social Issues was a stimulating event that asked us to think differently about how we define philanthropy. For the array of WIF members and guests in attendance, it was a reflective exploration of what it truly means to be a philanthropist and how personal perspectives on giving evolve over time.
The October 17 event, one of WIF’s signature annual events and part of the organization’s 20th anniversary year festivities commenced with a profound question: What does it mean to be a philanthropist? The event kicked off with founding member Dianne Bailey discussing the “5 Ts” of philanthropy – time, talent, treasure, as well as testimony and ties. Members were asked to consider which of the two resonated with them through applying stickers to their nametags.
Dianne then moderated a conversation with founder and lifelong giver Mary Lou Babb and one of her daughters, member Julie Babb. They reflected on how Mary Lou and her husband had instilled philanthropic values in their children. Julie reflected “it wasn’t until college that I didn’t realize all kids didn’t spend their weekends stamping envelopes and going door-to-door for various causes; our parents modeled it for us.” Mary Lou said, “it was really about meeting people and just being a part of things.”
Dianne also interviewed newer member Erika Lopez who shared how her family thinks about their philanthropy like they think about a financial portfolio – they want a mix of larger established organizations with smaller, potentially “risky” investments. She also referred to her annual gift to Women’s Impact Fund as an “index fund” because of our collective, pooled investments in the community.
Finally, Dianne spoke with WIF board member Tonya Bruce who reflected on how she shares her time and talent, specifically. Tonya said, “Start where the heart is. I think about what matters to me and my family now based on our personal stories, and we invest there. It doesn’t matter how much you make or what you do, but it what you choose to do with the gifts that you have.”
After each dialogue, we had time for conversations at our small tables. Members and guests enjoyed the chance to get to know each other better while reflecting on what we were hearing and learning. Many attendees commented that they were walking away with tangible takeaways.
The 2023 Social Hour for Social Issues was intended to create an atmosphere of enlightenment and inspiration. By all accounts, the event was a success – both for having fostered inclusive dialogues and for leaving attendees with a renewed commitment to philanthropy, understanding its transformative power and the importance of collective giving – not just financial resources – in shaping a better tomorrow.
