The Richland County Foundation has announced that the Women’s Fund is accepting nominations for the JoAnn Dutton Volunteer Community Service Award. The award, given each November, celebrates and honors women leaders who devote a significant amount of time and energy in a meaningful way to local charitable organizations. A nomination form is available at richlandcountyfoundation.org and is due by Friday, October 4.
The award was named in honor of JoAnn Dutton, former executive director of the Mansfield YWCA. As Executive Director of the YWCA, JoAnn brought the Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) program to Mansfield. JoAnn was known as a strong collaborator who initiated new programs and opportunities within the organizations she served. Her personal and leadership approach was always inclusive and she sought to enable all members of our community to achieve their full potential. In addition to serving 10 years at the YWCA, she enjoyed a lifetime of volunteer community service.
This year’s winner of the JoAnn Dutton Award will be honored during the Women’s Fund annual grant awards luncheon November 13 at Westbrook Country Club.
The Women’s Fund was established in 1996 as a permanent endowment to support programs that benefit women and girls in our community. The fund has grown to over 1.2 million dollars and has given out over $378,000 in grants impacting hundreds of lives. The fund has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to assist women in advancing their education, careers and the community in which they live. In addition to annual grants, scholarships and the JoAnn Dutton Award, the Women’s Fund conducts a Mother’s Day Fundraiser as a way for people to honor the special women in their lives. The Women’s Fund welcomes all gifts which can be made online or by writing a check to the Richland County Foundation with the Women’s Fund noted on the memo line.
