Women of Community Renewal

Founded in 1999, the Women of Community Renewal is a volunteer membership organization that shares the renewal vision, provides direct service, inspires and engages others to care, gives financial assistance, and sponsors special events. The 2011-12 membership is comprised of 370 women. 

 The Women of CR supported the mission of Community Renewal by:

• Providing birthday parties for children in Friendship House Kids Clubs
• Preparing lunches/snacks for service project participants from local, regional and national groups working in Friendship House neighborhoods
• Sponsoring lunches for  participants attending “Introduction to Community Renewal” workshops

 Women of CR also:

• Raised more than $40,000 in funding for Community Renewal through the annual Croquet Classic and supported the “House for Hope” campaign by answering phones and volunteering on Open House days 
• Provided volunteer support to the Adult Renewal Academy, Friendship Houses, Renewal Team, Haven House and at the Community Renewal office

 
Women of Community Renewal History and Activities

Presidents

1999-2001       Claudia Oliver
2001-2003       Anne Wilson
2003-2005       Minnett Thornton
2005-2007       Susan Rice McCain
2007-2009       Judy Chidlow
2009-2010       Sandy Lowrey
2010-2011       Kathy Charley
2011-2012       Bonnie Dubin
2012-2013       Susie Tingle

Valentine Luncheon:

This was first held at the Cambridge Club in 2002 to a capacity crowd and each February is a much-anticipated event as our unofficial annual meeting.  Accomplishments  are celebrated with a charge from the incoming President about the activities and events to come.  We had a sold-out event Monday, February 13th  at Superior Steakhouse.   Special thanks to our chair Laurel Rice Brightwell for putting together such a wonderful luncheon and to Claudia Oliver for handlling program chair responsibilities. 

Croquet Classic:  An annual fundraising event, the Women of CR Croquet Classic has been held yearly since 2000.  This year's event was held at LSUS (tournament) and East Ridge Country Club (lunch) on Saturday, April 28th.  A record number of teams (40) participated in the tournament with 8 in the Champions Division and 32 in the Classic Division.  Great sportsmanship was displayed by all.  See our Facebook Page (Community Renewal Croquet Classic).  The silent auction had many beautiful items and many bidders.  Thanks to all the sponsors, team members, donors, volunteers, luncheon attendees and silent auction bidders.  Please mark Saturday, May 4, 2013, on your calendar and plan to attend!

Membership Directory:  Distributed yearly to members. 

Adult Renewal Academy End of the Year Celebration:  This sponsorship began in 2004. The Women of CR provide funding (through memberships), volunteers and gifts for the ARA participants. 

Support for the Fuller Center Blitz Build:  Supported yearly since 2006 with assistance as requested inlcuding: registration, hospitality, general volunteering and/or refreshments.

Hospitality Support:  The Women of CR have been involved in providing refreshments for events and hosting various open houses since 2000. 

Birthday Parties: This activity is in its third year as Women of CR plan a monthly event for children at the Shreveport-Bossier City Friendship Houses. 

Supporting the Mission throughout the year: WCR are encouraged to: Take one of the monthly CRI tours, volunteer at a Friendship House, join the Communication Committe to help with mailings and/or phone calls to members/potential donors during fundraising drives, serve as Haven House Leaders and as members of the Renewal Team, display a We Care sign at their home and/or business.