DC Dames bring awareness to area non-profits
Douglas County Dames’ July meeting at the Sally Jobe’s Parker office.
by Elizabeth Wood West
“We’re ‘dames’ who want to have fun, but more importantly, we’re ‘dames’ who give a d___!” is the motto of a group of Douglas County women who recently formed the Douglas County Dames (Dames). In addition to being friends, the Dames share a mutual desire to bring awareness to the many non-profits serving Douglas County.
The mix of Dames includes business women, former and/or current elected officials, as well as board members and advisory council members of the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF). With the advisement of the DCCF, the Dames meet monthly to network, socialize, and learn about a particular non-profit. The focus of the non-profits could include young adults with special needs, historic preservation, open space, education, domestic violence, and several other worthwhile causes.
According to Dames member Marsha Alston, the purpose of the group is based on the concept of Giving Circles in which many small donations are combined to become one large donation, resulting in a bigger financial impact.
The Dames ask for a $35 per person donation at the door of their monthly gatherings. Ten percent of the evening’s pooled donations covers administrative costs, 20 percent is given to the guest non-profit, and the rest goes into the Dames’ fund to be held until their June 2012 meeting, at which time the Dames will discuss and vote on how to donate the funds. “We raised $1,600 last month [July’s meeting] and had a great time,” remarked Alston.
According to DCCF Board Member and Dame Susan Squyer, “The DCCF helps people wanting to establish a small foundation by allowing them to create a donor-advised fund [under DCCF’s 501(c)(3) non-profit status], thus avoiding the time and expense in creating a 501(c)(3).
DCCF manages the funds for a small administrative fee, handles tax issues, and makes disbursements according to the original donor’s instructions,” said Squyer. DCCF was founded approximately 10 years ago and represents more than one dozen foundations. (Read our story about the DCCF at www.castlepinesconnection.com and type “DCCF” into the search function.)
The Dames meet on the last Thursday of every month. For information, contact Marsha Alston at 303-995-4251 or e-mail. For further information about the Douglas County Community Foundation, contact Susan Squyer at 303-906-9890 or e-mail or visit www.dccf.org.
