Every passing day is one that is gone forever. Learn from it and revel in its successes. Make sure it is one in which you have done something for others, especially for those who cannot do for themselves. And then move forward to the next day and do it all over again.

From left: Bev Prueter, Lynn Bagenstose, Angie Clark, Cheryl Morgan and Karen Wright Not pictured: Peggy Ehora

Women's Leadership Founders

• Lynn Bagenstose
• Angie Clark
• Peggy Ehora
• Cheryl Morgan
• Beverly Prueter
• Karen C. Wright

United Way Women's Leadership

United Way Women's Leadership was formed in 2002 to accomplish several objectives: Broaden leadership giving to United Way among women. Provide social and business forums with topics of interest to women and families. Provide special support from time to time for special initiatives such as "Dolly Parton's Imagination Library", a program that provides reading skills and lifelong love of reading to children birth to age five and their families.

How have we done? Fifty-one women are currently members of the United Way Women's Leadership. These women are contributing at Tocqueville, Pacesetter and Mentoring Levels to the annual campaign and have also made special contributions for "Imagination Library."

Special grants were received for "Imagination Library" in 2003 from the Junior Service League, Ar-Hale Family Foundation, Dominion, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Lima Rotary Foundation.

Numerous agencies helped us register children in Allen County: Blanchard Valley Medical Center - Bluffton Campus, Lima Memorial Health System, St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima Allen Council on Community Affairs, Lima Public Library, YWCA Child Care Connections, Help Me Grow and W.I.C. We also thank the US Postal Service letter carriers for their efforts in delivering these very special books.

In January 2005, 3,400 children in Allen County received the monthly books, addressed to them at their homes. When the first books were delivered in January 2003, 750 children were registered and received books.

What matters? Improving people's lives! We have accomplished a great deal since the summer of 2002 and we appreciate everyone who has helped us reach out to children in our community.

Women's Leadership events are scheduled from time to time. Three or four events are held each year. For information about United Way Women's Leadership, call the United Way office or one of the members.

To register a child for "Dolly Parton's Imagination Library" or to contribute to the cost of providing a child's books for one year ($30 per child per year), call the United Way office. There is no cost to families to register a child; the only eligibility requirements are the child must live in Allen County, Ohio, be registered by a parent or guardian and be age birth to fifth birthday.

Women's Leadership Members

"The Power of the Purse "