For Immediate Release

Wisconsin Rural Women's Initiative Receives Grant Award From Women Helping Others Foundation
Funds To Be Used for Programs That Address the Needs of Rural Women

Elkhorn, Wis. – (January 25, 2010) – The Wisconsin Rural Women’s Initiative (WRWI) received a grant award check for $27,000 from the Women Helping Others (W.H.O.) Foundation, funded by BeautiControl® Independent Consultants. The grant will be used to provide personal development programs for underserved rural/farm women using the Gathering Circle process development by WRWI staff. The funds are needed for facilitators, program expenses and weekend meetings throughout the year. These meetings will address topics such a preventative health screenings and domestic violence, among others.

“After reviewing this organization’s grant submission, it was clear that this is an organization that is truly helping the community,” said Cindy Turek, W.H.O. Executive Director. “In the spirit of W.H.O.’s mission, and by the grace of the power of its many contributors, we are pleased to help make a difference – one organization at a time.”

The check was presented to Mary Bub, WRWI Executive Director by Sheila Osborne, BeautiControl Independent Executive Director, on behalf of the W.H.O. Foundation.

Mary Bub lives on MoonStar Farm, a 77-acre family-owned and operated farm just east of Elkhorn. As an active member of the Walworth County Visitors’ Bureau (WCVB), she supports the area in which she lives and works.

“Mary has been a real asset to the farming community in Walworth County,” remarks Kathleen Seeberg, Executive Director of the Walworth County Visitors Bureau. “In addition to her commitment to her own farm, she has recognized the needs of other women in the farming community and reached out to them.”

Founded by Mary Bub in 1997, Wisconsin Rural Women’s Initiative grew out of a need for women who live in rural areas and on farms to have a voice and a platform to discuss problems, share ideas, obtain information, and utilize resources that are available to them. Because many of these women live in remote areas, they are sometimes isolated from needed resources and networking opportunities. The women who are part of the WRWI participate in local groups, referred to as Gathering Circles, and share their stories with other women with the help of trained facilitators. The circles eventually become self-sustaining. They deal with issues like isolation, abuse, and health care, and provide input on self-care, assertiveness, communication skills, and offer free health screenings. To date, 3,000 women have participated in Gathering Circles in 63 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. See www.ruralwomensinitiative.com for additional information.

Established in 1993, the W.H.O. Foundation is committed to encouraging women everywhere to help others through community service, supporting organizations dedicated to the needs of women, children and families in crisis. W.H.O. has been enlightening, educating and empowering women and families for nearly 17 years, and has awarded over 4 million dollars in grants. For information on BeautiControl W.H.O. Foundation see www.whofoundation.org.

The Walworth County Visitors’ Bureau (WCVB), located in Elkhorn, Wis., is dedicated to promoting tourism throughout Walworth County. One of the County’s more well-known destinations, Lake Geneva, was named among the 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. The Bureau is located in a historic building featuring antiques and vintage items, where visitors can browse through area travel literature and enjoy Wi-Fi and a coffee bar. For additional information, contact the WCVB at (262) 723-3980 or visit its website at www.VisitWalworthCounty.com. Follow us on Facebook.com/GreaterLakeGenevaArea and Twitter.com/VisitLakeGeneva.

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Photo caption: Check presentation left to right: Sheila Osborne, BeautiControl Independent Executive Director; Mary Bub, WRWI Executive Director; Christy Harteau, WRWI Executive Assistant and Mary Robinson, W.H.O. Team Chairperson.

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Contacts:

Name: Kathleen Seeberg
Company: Walworth County Visitors Bureau
Phone: 262-723-3980
Email: kathy@visitwalworthcounty.com

Name: Marilyn McGair
Company: Marketing Images
Phone: (262) 522-4745
Email: marilyn@marketingimages.com