YWCA Seeking Nominations for its “100 Years, 100 Women†Honors
(Evansville, IN) The YWCA of Evansville today announced that it is seeking nominations from the
community for its 100 Years, 100 Women honors.
The YWCA of Evansville was founded on March 3, 1911. Next spring the YWCA will celebrate 100 years
of service to women and children in the Evansville community. To commemorate this historic
milestone, the YWCA will honor 100 women who, over the past 100 years, have made significant
contributions to the community in the areas of Women’s Empowerment, Social/Racial Justice, Arts,
Education, Business/Professions, Philanthropy/Volunteerism, Education, and Government/Public Service.
This special recognition will be the cornerstone of the YWCA’s annual Tribute to Achievement dinner in
2011. The YWCA invites the community to nominate a woman whose contributions to the community
have made a lasting impact in her field.
“There are so many incredible women whose hard work, passion, and generosity have created and
supported institutions, reforms and social services that have molded Evansville into the great city that it
is today,†says Erika Taylor, CEO of the YWCA.
Forms are available at www.ywcaevansville.org and at the YWCA. The deadline for submitting nominations for the 100 Years, 100 Women honors is February 1, 2011. Posthumous nominations are welcomed.
To inaugurate its centennial celebration, the YWCA is also inviting 100 women to join the Women
Empowering Women giving level by contributing $100 towards the YWCA’s mission of eliminating
racism and empowering women.
Attorney Gayle Gerling Pettinga was so inspired by Women Empowering Women that she offered to
match the first 100 women who donate $100 by January 31, 2011. These gifts combined with Gayle
Gerling Pettinga’s match will help the YWCA continue to empower women for another 100 years.
“When I heard about the YWCA’s novel fundraising challenge to celebrate its 100 year anniversary, I
knew immediately that I wanted to be part of it. 100 women each giving $100 to celebrate 100 years of
women empowering women is more than fundraising, it is symbolic of what the YWCA stands for – a
solid block of women giving the gift of opportunity to other women, †says Gayle Gerling Pettinga.
Donations may be sent payable to the YWCA at 118 Vine St., Evansville, IN 47708.
The YWCA is also looking for YWCA photos, memorabilia and stories from the past 100 years. Those
who wish to share a special story about the impact the YWCA has made in their lives or the lives of
others may send their stories to 118 Vine St., Evansville, IN 47708 or via email to
etaylor@ywcaevansville.org.
The YWCA is planning several events to celebrate its 100th Birthday and is proud to announce that Old
National Bank will be its lead centennial sponsor.
The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice,
freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA has been serving the Evansville area since 1911 and from its
inception has provided housing and services for women and girls. The Evansville YWCA is a member of
the YWCA of the U.S.A., the oldest and largest women’s membership movement in the country.
Over the years, YWCA programs have changed to meet the evolving needs of women and girls. In
1979, the YWCA opened the first domestic violence shelter in Evansville. Other current programs
include a Transition Housing Program for women in recovery, Emergency Shelter for homeless women
and children, an afterâ€school and mentoring program, called Live Y’ers, for atâ€risk girls in grades three
through 12, Summer Fun day camp for schoolâ€aged children, a Food Pantry station, and a warm water
swim program for those coping with arthritis and other physical difficulties. Special programs and
events for the general public are also offered. Visit www.ywcaevansville.org for more information
