5th Annual 'Giving Hope' Fundraiser Deemed a Success

When Loren Wadington and 32 other women formed Giving Hope Women's Giving Circle five years ago, they had one mission: help disadvantaged women and their families who live in and near Canton.

Today, Giving Hope, which is run by the , raises money for charity with "pass the purse" events, including its annual meeting Wednesday at Village Theater at Cherry Hill. In addition to cash, the women brought donations of shampoo and other personal care items. Final figures for Wednesday's meeting weren't available yet Friday, but through the years, the women have helped fund Open Door Ministry's food bank; First Step, First Step, which aids victims of sexual assault and domestic violence; Oakwood Healthcare System Foundation; Girl Scouts of America; and Starfish Family Services.

Journalist Rhonda Walker of Detroit NBC affiliate WDIV-TV was Wednesday's keynote speaker — and she left her audience impressed by the impact of the Rhonda Walker Foundation, which helps at-risk teen girls in Detroit develop self-esteem and life skills.

Representatives of groups helped by Giving Hope Women's Giving Circle shared their stories as well.

Starfish Family Services, which is based in Inkster, supports regular classes held at the for baby sitters and other caregivers. Headstart, another program Starfish operates in Canton, provides meals as well as health, nutrition and parental support to 140 children who live in the township.

Ann Kalass, Starfish's chief operating officer, said the next Giving Hope-supported Starfish program will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Eriksson Elementary School, 1275 N. Haggerty Rd. The featured speaker will be Early Learning Foundation creator Bob Sornson, who will talk about parenting skills.

He's been leading this class for three years, Kalass said, "But this is the first year he'll be in Canton. He's a great mentor and a great storyteller."

Register for the free session — which includes child care — by calling 734-727-3114.

To learn more about Giving Hope Women's Giving Circle, call 734-495-1200 or visit its website or Facebook page.

The Canton Community Foundation's philanthropy summit, "Board Goverance: Who's in Charge Anyway?" is set for 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the foundation offices, Foundation offices, 50430 School House Rd. The kenote speaker is Pete Christ, former CEO of the Battle Creek Community Foundation. The summit and lunch are free but preregistration is necessary: Do it online or call 734-495-1200.