OPTIONS Alumnae Reconnect

Tonight a dynamic group of 65 OPTIONS Alumnae gathered for an informative and social event. These women, from nine OPTIONS classes, represent a diverse cross-section of the community, including business and medical professionals, nonprofit employees, and community volunteers. As the ninth class of OPTIONS concludes and we head into the tenth anniversary year for this philanthropy education program, this was a fitting way to celebrate this year and launch into the next.

Some highlights from the event were:

• A presentation from two advocates from The Julian Center's Domestic Violence and Indianapolis Metro Police Department partnership. The advocates shared moving stories of real victims they have helped and encouraged everyone to offer support to anyone they think might be in a violent situation. If you are interested in a presentation for a group, contact the Julian Center at 317.941.2200.
  
• Kicking off the 10th Anniversary of the OPTIONS program, with appreciation to Jane Salentine for her leadership of the group in recent years, and welcoming Lindsey Rabinowitch as the 2010 OPTIONS Alumnae president.
• An announcement from OPTIONS Class Nine about the three grants they awarded in their final class session.
  
• Fantastic food, Barefoot wine, and great giveaways from Saks (for more information about a December 3rd Women's Fund event at Saks, click here).
• Women's Fund updates from Jennifer Pope Baker, including highlights of the leadership OPTIONS Alumnae members are providing in other areas of Women's Fund, such as Julie Manning Magid as Advisory Board Vice Chair in 2010 and Chair in 2012.
• An opportunity to complete a survey to guide next year's activities.
• A drawing to win an OPTIONS Alumnae "Favorite Things" basket, with gift certificates, a candle, picture frames, clips, and more! See the picture, right, for a peek at the basket.
• Sign-ups to become a 2010 Alumnae member. If you are an OPTIONS Alumnae and would like to join, click here to donate online.
  

The buzz was all around the room, as women reconnected with former OPTIONS classmates and met women from other classes. Thanks to the OPTIONS Alumnae Committee for putting on another great event!