Last night the Peninsula Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association gave away $5000 in scholarships. It was a great night with lots of winners in attendance. What made last night even more special was that we combined with another local group that also had scholarships to award. The group is called Wonder Women and they gave scholarships to three men from the Beacon House in San Pedro who are now back on their feet after hitting bottom. Beacon House is a residential recovery home. Once the men are on the road to recovery, they either find work or go back to school so they can contribute back to the community. The scholarships given to the men will help them achieve their educational goals and improve their current situations.
The American Business Women’s Association gives scholarships (generally to women in transition) with money raised from our annual fundraiser held each February. Our Author’s Day event brings 4 or 5 authors to a lunch where they share about their lives/books and sign books purchased. It’s always a fun afternoon, and knowing we can help women because of this event is exciting.
Out of the 9 winners at the event last night, I ended up being at the same table as a girl who reminded me so much of my daughter. They are both in the same year in college, are majoring in similar courses, and want to impact the world in the same way. They have many of the same beliefs and see themselves as a catalyst who can impact the world to make it a better place. After sharing some resources with her about organizations we’ve looked into for internships or other opportunities to use her major, this person said she’d love to meet my daughter and asked me to have my daughter send her a friend request on Facebook. When doing so, my daughter saw they had 26 friends in common. I’d say this connection was meant to be. And to think it started with our desire as an organization to bless others to help make their education just a bit easier. Thanks ABWA!
