Tricia Fugeé, Zonta Toledo 1 Club President
Dear Zontians,
This is my last newsletter submission as President, and I can’t believe how fast this year has gone! I cannot thank you all enough for the opportunity to serve this amazing organization. It has been so wonderful and at the same time, a little exhausting, so I have to admit that I am looking forward to next year, serving ENTHUSIASTICALLY, but just as co-chair for the Advocacy committee (and as Sue’s aide, which I’ve promised to do).
We have accomplished a lot as a group, and so I think we can and should all be proud of the progress we have made on our our goals and promoting the status of women. We have updated our members on numerous issues facing women, providing information about the Violence Against Women Act (and writing to our representatives in support), human trafficking and domestic violence. We have collected items for various organizations serving women, which will make a difference in their lives, and remind them that others care. We’ve provided funds for several local organizations and young women, as well as funds to support the ZI projects. We had two successful ZING events for prospective candidates, and we welcomed several new members. We’ve also made some changes to our Club, in terms of our dues structure and meeting times. And, we have a new Facebook page and a very nice, and regularly updated, website, and we’ve shared information with ZI on its website and on LinkedIn. I’m sure there are more accomplishments that I’m not even remembering as I sit here writing this!
Even with all of these tremendous achievements, this year – and really, my membership in Zonta– has also made a big difference to me. Sue Dybowski, our incoming President, said it best when she said that being in Zonta has made her a better person. I know what she means. As a result of Zonta, I have a much better awareness and understanding of many issues facing women locally, nationally and internationally, and I have done a number of things to help address those issues. This is incredibly satisfying. And, I am much more aware of just how many people everywhere commit their own time and money to helping others, which is both humbling and a source of great peace to me, particularly since the news is so filled with people hurting each other. Having served as
President has also given me more confidence in myself: I have never done anything quite like this before, and I managed to complete the year without any major missteps, which is due in large part to the many wonderful Zontians who helped me, and our Club, at every step of the way. Last but not least, Zonta has given me the opportunity to make so many wonderful new friends. I look forward to continuing our friendship, and our work, for many more years to come. Thank you all so very much.
Yours in Zonta,
Tricia Fugeé
Welcome to Zonta Club of Toledo 1. We are part of a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions. Our mission is to advance the status of women worldwide. With more than 31,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 64 countries and geographic areas, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects.