January, 2012….Helping Our Women has received a generous donation in the amount of $3000 from the AIM Thrift Store in Wellfleet.  We also received $750 from the proceeds of the thrift shop hosted by the United Methodist Church in Provincetown.  Ruthie’s Boutique in Provincetown provides funding to HOW, the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, and a third non-profit that varies annually. We encourage our supporters to frequent all three thrift shops either as consumers or donors.  In 2011, HOW and the ASGCC each received over $3000 from Ruthie’s. The volunteers at all of these shops work extremely hard and we thank them for their help.

Seamen’s Bank’s Long Point Charitable Foundation is now in the third year of a five year commitment to fund HOW’s Financial Assistance Program in the amount of $5000 each year. The long term $25,000 commitment by Seamen’s Bank helps to maintain this important safety net program.

The Cape & Islands United Way has informed HOW that they will be granting $10,000 also in support of the Financial Assistance Program in 2012.   The United Way has supported this program for many years and we are proud of our long relationship with them.
Helping Our Women is also pleased to announce that the Cape Cod 5 Charitable Foundation has granted $5000 for the Financial Assistance Program for this year.

We also received $4000 from Provincetown Cares from the proceeds of the production of “Pulp” that took place at Provincetown Town Hall in October 2011.  Provincetown Cares is a non-profit organization that provides funding to HOW, the Fenway Community Health Center’s Women’s Health Programs, and the Army of Women.  Provincetown Care’s Director Lynn d’Angona, their Board members and volunteers, and the whole cast and crew worked so hard to make “Pulp” a success and we thank them. 

 We also want to thank the Roberts family of the Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod for their generous $1500 donation and their support of the Cape’s non-profit community in so many ways.        

November, 2011……The 9th Annual Evening for HOW at the Lobster Pot was held on November 18th. The dinner sold out quickly as usual for this special night of fine dining, conversation and music. 124 HOW supporters enjoyed Chef Tim McNulty and Pastry Chef Ray’s great food and the Pot staff did a wonderful job in the kitchen and on the floor. The Bart Weisman Jazz Group, with Carol Wyeth on vocals and Mark Borgmann on piano, gave us the gift of music. Bart Weisman and his wife Amy Heller have been part of the HOW family for many years and we appreciate Bart’s generosity with this event and in so many other ways over the years. With everyone’s help, we were able to raise over $15,000 which will go a long way in providing much needed assistance to the communities we serve. Next year’s dinner will be held on Friday, November 16th, so mark your calendars!

November, 2011…..Our Annual Casino Night held in October raised $3000 and was well attended by eager gamblers. We appreciate the generosity of our hosts, Purgatory owners Earl Kendall and John Gardner and thank volunteer Marie Pittman and her team of great volunteers. We thank our table sponsors for their support: Asher Appraisal Services, Benson Young & Downs Insurance, Charles-Baltivik Gallery, Doggie Styles, East End Marketplace, Essentials, Joe’s Coffee, The Lobster Pot, Sharon Lynn & Patsy Greene in memory of Ron Coutu, Ann Maguire & Harriet Gordon, Outer Cape Health Services, Pride Taxi, Provincetown Cares/Lynn d’Angona, Provincetown Florist, Provincetown Library Board of Trustees, Sue Roderick, Barbara & Kate Ryan in honor of Betty Schneider, Seamen’s Bank, Snip, Waves Salon and Womencrafts. Their support made it possible for us to keep expenses at a minimum so more of the funds raised could be used for direct services for our clients.

October 14, 2011 - The WET Party was hosted by the Crown & Anchor at Paramount hosted by Vicky Shaw and Karen Williams. Thanks to the kindness of Rick Murray and Bill Dougal, who made a generous donation, a little over $3000 was raised for our programs. Provincetown Cares (www.provincetowncares.com) produced a wonderful new musical, Pulp, during October at the beautifully renovated Provincetown Town Hall. Provincetown Cares raises funds for HOW, the Fenway Community Health Center’s women’s programs, and Dr. Susan Love’s foundation the Army of Women. Funds were also raised, specifically for HOW, by auctioning off the neon “Vixen” sign (the nightclub has closed) which was donated by Jeanne Leszczynski and Diane DiCarlo, the new owners of the Pilgrim House, now named “Sage”. We greatly appreciate the hard work that went into the production and thank Provincetown Cares director Lynn d’Angona for all of her support and friendship.

September, 2011……We want to thank HOW supporters Deborah Heller and Ann Sanders for hosting a gathering at their lovely home in Provincetown on our behalf.   Kate Ryan, wife of HOW Board member Barbara Ryan, spoke about her experience volunteering and long-time supporter Alix Ritchie spoke about her commitment to HOW.  Founder and present Board member Betty Villari spoke about her experience as a cancer survivor and the challenges that women on the outer Cape faced before HOW was created.  Board members Chris McCarthy and Sue Roderick spoke about their experiences with HOW.  Last but not least, long time HOW friend Roslyn Garfield made a commitment over the next year to help fund HOW’s Financial Assistance Program.  Over $3000 was raised that night and some attendees will be volunteering for our Transportation Program. It was a lovely evening made possible by Deborah and Ann’s generosity and sense of community.

September, 2011…..On Monday, September 19th, Ruthie’s Boutique held its annual meeting and volunteer appreciation at Karoo Kafe in Provincetown.  Helping Our Women is grateful for the hard work of Colin Brown and the many volunteers who make Ruthie’s the great success that it is. Ruthie’s benefits HOW, the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, and a third non-profit each year.  At the meeting, checks in the amount of $3154.21 were distributed to the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod and Helping Our Women. This year the third non-profit was Lower Cape Outreach Council which also serves HOW and ASGCC clients and they received a check in the amount of $1577.12.  We encourage everyone to visit Ruthie’s website and to support the store with donations or with purchases.

September, 2011…..On September 22nd, HOW supporters gathered at the Harbor Lounge hosted by Margaret Hart and Cass Benson (former HOW Board member) to welcome autumn and to visit with guest bartenders HOW Board members Chris McCarthy and Lori Meads.  We received 100% of the tips and a portion of the bar for a total of $1035!

August, 2011……..The Provincetown Jazz Festival was held in mid-August produced by HOW supporter Bart Weisman.  Bart was kind enough to donate $500 to HOW from the proceeds of the Festival. 
Bart will also be providing music for the 9th Annual Evening for HOW at the Lobster Pot which will be held on Friday, November 18th. More information about that event will be on our website as we get closer. In the meantime, if you want to attend any of Bart’s other performances, you can visit www.bartweisman.com

August, 2011…..One of the most popular events of the Provincetown Business Guild’s Carnival  Week is Drag Brunch hosted by Joachim Sandbichler at his restaurant The Patio.  This event has grown each year, raising over $12,000 for HOW this year!  Hosted by Miss Richfield 1981, Drag Brunch attracted locals and visitors who packed The Patio, bought raffle tickets and cheered every performer. The prizes were wonderful and the person who won the $250 “Best Dressed” prize donated it back!  The staff at The Patio were amazing, as we all clogged the aisles table hopping and Miss Richfield 1981 visited each table welcoming (and gently teasing) all guests. The incredible generosity of Joachim’s friends and his own commitment to HOW is greatly appreciated. 

August, 2011…..Drag Kickball IV, organized by Laurie Roles of Roles Fitness, was a great success.  Thank you, Laurie, for making this happen and keeping us all organized. The Provincetown Kickers and the Drag Queens squared off in Motta Field on August 10th in Provincetown for a full nine innings with the Queens winning 10-4.   We want to thank all the players, volunteers, and the amazing crowd that came out for this only-in-Provincetown event. There were so many wonderful volunteers, but special thanks to Brad Carlson and Todd Wagar for working so hard with Laurie. We also thank David Gardner for all his help.  We send a big hug to Jenny McNulty and Mimi Gonzalez for emceeing the game.  We also thank all the businesses and individuals who donated for the raffle.  All of this generosity of time, talent, and resources made it possible for $5000 to be raised for our programs.

August, 2011……On Monday, August 19th, long time HOW supporter Anthonie Edwards hosted a “Helping Our Women Day” at Bliss, her ice cream and frozen yogurt shop in Provincetown.  All proceeds and tips were donated to HOW in the amount of $1000.  Anthonie has already committed to hosting a day for HOW next summer!  The Edwards family has been a great friend of Helping Our Women for many years and we appreciate their kindness.

Provincetown, July 2011…..The 11th Annual By the Sea Bike Trek in June raised over $10,000 thanks to our sponsors, riders, donors, and volunteers. We want to thank Mussel Beach Health Club, Fanizzi's Restaurant, Provincetown Banner, Asher Appraisal Services, the Lobster Pot, Gale Force Bikes, Ptown Parties, Connie's Bakery, Phoenix Fruit, and the Surfside Hotel and Suites for making this event possible. Jane Corbin was again the fundraising champ, raising over $3000 in pledges. Our other champions were the team from Outer Cape Health Services and Team Life. We ask that you support Team Life from the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod (ASGCC) for their ride in the Harbor to the Bay this coming fall.  There are pages set up for Spencer Keasey and Roger Chauvette and if you pledge them, the funds will be designated for the ASGCC, thereby staying on the Cape.

Provincetown, July 2011…..June also saw the return of Sisters in the Name of Love which raised a total of over $4800 to benefit HOW and the ASGCC.  Thank you, Sisters (Jen White, Katie Ledoux, Tony Johnson, Titus Ulrich and all the performers and volunteers). Special thanks to the Crown and Anchor and their fabulous staff for again hosting Sisters.

Provincetown, July 2011……In May, supporters Rick Murray and Bill Dougal hosted a new event for us, a spring dinner at the Central House Restaurant.  Over $5000 was raised on a night of great dining and wonderful wine with Suede serenading us.

Provincetown, July 2011…..One of our important affiliations has been with the Hiebert Charitable Foundation established as part of Ruth Hiebert's legacy to the community she loved so much. We are fortunate to have been granted $10,000 in 2011 to fund our safety net Financial Assistance Program. This is the sixth year that the Foundation has funded us in this amount, helping to provide this important service to the community.

Provincetown, April 8, 2011 - Helping Our Women is pleased to announce the establishment of the Kathryn V. Baker Endowment. This endowment was established as a bequest from the late Kay Baker, long time Truro resident and businesswoman.

March 15, 2011 - We want to thank Tom, David, and Ken of the Bistro at Crowne Pointe for hosting the 3^rd Annual Wine Dinner to Benefit Helping Our Women.  This event has become an early spring ritual for so many of our friends and supporters.  All proceeds benefit HOW and $3900 was raised.  We thank sponsors Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod and the Provincetown Banner for their support.  The hard work of the chef, kitchen staff, and the servers made this lovely dinner run seamlessly with a menu that we are still raving about!  A special thanks to Michelle Orsmond for efficiently helping us with the logistics and for her gracious hospitality the night of the event.  And, of course, to the 52 HOW friends and family who came to the dinner…we could not do what we do without you.

Feburary 1, 2011 - We are proud to announce that the Cape and Islands United Way is providing $12,000 in funding in 2011 specifically in support of our Financial Assistance Program for low income women living on the Outer Cape with serious illnesses.  For more information about the Cape and Islands United Way, please visit www.uwcapecod.org