From a Penny a Week To a $2 Million Fund
The Foundation’s Women & Girls Fund represents nearly 200 years of generosity and caring, with contributions of all sizes and kinds adding up over time. The needs of women and girls in Southeastern Connecticut have changed over the years, and will keep on changing, but the Fund and its supporters will be there attentive, flexible, ready to meet those needs. Some highlights in the Fund’s history:
| 1810 |
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Harriet Richard Lewis and other women launch the Female Cent Society, with each member contributing a penny a week to help women and children in need. |
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| 1836 |
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The society is named the Lewis Cent Society, after Harriet provides for it in her will. |
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| 1877 |
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Dr. Seth Smith provides in his will for a home “for aged respectable, indigent women of New London.” (He dies in 1878.) |
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| 1881 |
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The Smith Memorial Home is established. |
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| 1999 |
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The Women & Girls Fund is established, with a gift from the Lewis Cent Society. |
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| 2003 |
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Proceeds from the estate of Lydia I. Korolkiewicz are used to establish a fund in her name, under the Womean & Girls umbrella, to prevent domestic violence and aid its victims. |
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| 2004 |
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On its fifth anniversary, the Women & Girls Fund launches the Lewis Century Society (of those who include Women & Girls in their estate planning) and passes the 1$ million mark. |
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| 2006 |
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With the addition of the Smith Memorial Fund, the Women & Girls Fund passes the $2 million mark. |
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