JANUARY 2016
A note from the CEO What a year! As we look forward to 2016, we want to take time to recognize the generosity and kindness of our donors and supporters. This newsletter only shares a few examples. YOU make it possible for us to provide girls with the program opportunities, facilities and tools she needs to flourish. With Girl Scouts by her side she developes a sparkle that is her own and a circle of friends that accept, support, and encourage her to explore her every dream. Investing in girls truly changes the world.
Creating more opportunities for ALL girls Through the generosity of Lilly Endowment, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana has been awarded a $4.28 million dollar grant. Over the next three years, we will use the funding to focus on growth throughout multiple areas of the council that will bring improved programming opportunities for girls, expanded outreach into economically challenged families and under served populations, and improved volunteer education. To complement and support these changes in both girl and volunteer program and outcomes, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana knows that it must be thoughtful in addressing the capacity building needs of the organization. As girl members and
Sincerely,
Deborah A. Hearn Smith Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scout Cadettes learn how to create a paper circuit using copper tape and coin batteries.
adult volunteers increasingly reflect the changing demographics in Indiana, our council must have the internal systems in place to support them, guaranteeing that the resources will be available to properly engage, manage, and retain our most important assets. Thank you to Lilly Endowment for helping Girl Scouts of Central Indiana meet the needs of girls and volunteers.
STEM education - A legacy of the R.B. Annis Foundation Earlier this year, the Girl Scout family lost friend and supporter Mrs. Elmira Annis. She and her husband were long time supporters of STEM education. Through the years, the generosity of Mrs. Annis and the R.B. Annis Educational Foundation could be felt at Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. The Math and Science Van that so many girls enjoy, would not have been possible were it not for Mrs. Annis. She believed in the mission and the work that is done each and every day. In November, we were pleasantly surprised when we found out that Mrs. Annis gifted Girl Scouts of Central Indiana $120,000 through her estate. While we miss our good friend, her gift will continue to help provide programming so important to girls.
The Math and Science van brings the fun, excitement and adventure of S.T.E.M. to girls.
Home of Our Own
Leadership and Learning Center moves forward The dream of a learning center to support the 18,000 volunteers who work directly with girls is coming true. Thanks to your support, construction of the Girl Scout Leadership and Learning Center is coming along. Since the ground breaking this summer, there has been significant progress in the construction schedule. We are hoping for a mild winter, so
that building can stay on track for a late summer 2016 completion. Thank you for joining us to build this center for the growth and development of volunteers for years to come, enabling them to create an encouraging environment where girls can flourish. 2
JANUARY 2016
Lt. Governor’s Leadership Luncheon Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann is a shining example of what we aspire for our girls. Her hosting our annual luncheon is an example of her commitment to girls and women in the community. This luncheon helps us share our message and extend our reach throughout our 45-county area. More than 800 people attended this year’s Lt. Governor’s Leadership Luncheon and raised a record setting $305,000! The day was highlighted by honoring four Hoosier women who epitomize our mission of courage,
Top: (Left to right) Crystal Livers-Powers, board chair and communications manager at Eli Lilly and Company; Deborah Hearn Smith, chief executive officer at Girl Scouts of Central Indiana; Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann; Mari Hulman George, chairman of the board of directors for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Jennett Hill, senior vice president and general counsel, Citizens Energy Group; Angela Braly, founder and president, the Braly Group; Congresswoman Susan Brooks and Cathy Langham, committee chair. Bottom: Girl Scouts take the stage for a group photo. Girls greeted guests, escorted honorees to the stage, and helped collect gifts at the conclusion of the luncheon.
confidence, and character and making the world a better place. Girl Scouts of Central Indiana is grateful for the support of table sponsors, elected officials, countless volunteers and the dedication of our community partners. The luncheon showcased the best and brightest women now and in the future with the spirit of Girl Scout sisterhood shining through. Thank you to everyone that made this amazing day possible!
Yvonne Shaheen makes matching commitment Yvonne Shaheen recently hosted In a recent article, Shaheen writes a reception with her friends and about her views on generously offered to “Don’t do it philanthropy and life match all gifts made where she best sums it for the sake of to the Leadership and up by saying, “Don’t do doing it. Do it Learning Center up to because it’s the it for the sake of doing $50,000. right thing to do.” it. Do it because it’s the As a former Lt. right thing to do.” Governor’s Leadership Through her efforts, her generous Luncheon honoree, Mrs. Shaheen match was made, and $100,000 is committed to our organization was raised! Thank you for your and the empowering leadership opportunities for girls. gracious and continued support. 3
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Camp is essential to the Girl Scout experience The Caterpillar Foundation has been a strong supporter and partner of the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana leadership program for several years. In addition to sharing their treasure through granted funds, the employees at Caterpillar give their time and talents back to the Girl Scouts as well! Caterpillar employees came out to Camp Sycamore Valley this year for a Day of Caring where they helped with general upkeep of camp from spreading gravel on hiking trails to constructing a permanent outdoor bridge that our girls will be able to use for bridging ceremonies. In fact, in 2015 Girl Scouts of Central Indiana hosted over 430
adult volunteers from various universities and corporations who gave over 1,720 hours at five properties valuing more than $38,000 worth of their time and talents back to Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.
Make way for future leaders! At Girl Scouts, we know that when girls succeed, so does society. Whether they’re assembling robots, planting trees, or petitioning Congress, Girl Scouts are building a better world for all of us. But we need your help to ensure every girl in our community develops the confidence that Girl Scouts nurtures. When you make a donation, you help us bring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to more girls—enabling them to unleash their potential, build their future, and transform their world. Your gift directly impacts the lives of girls in your community. Give online: www.girlscoutsindiana.org/give
Employees from Caterpillar at Girl Scout Camp Sycamore Valley taking a quick break after they spent the day spreading nearly one ton of gravel on camp trails as well as building a bridge for girls to use for future bridging ceremonies!
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Want more information? Contact Karen Schuman at 317.924.6852 or kschuman@girlscoutsindiana.org
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