The following is only a few examples of projects undertaken by the Zonta Club of Westchester during our rich history spanning more than eight decades.
SERVICE & ADVOCACY
- Holidays would be just ordinary days for women and children living in shelters or for young women struggling after being trafficked if were not for gifts. So every year we purchase holiday gifts for these women, their children and surviving young women.
- To raise awareness on the egregious crime of human trafficking the club recently sponsored the showing of the film Not My Life and a presentation by the director of the End Trafficking Program at Unicef US Fund.The program was free and open to the community (see Not My Life flyer under Events).
- Club members also distributed the “Chocolate Campaign” letter which highlights the practice of child slave labor in the harvesting of cocoa pods (see Chocolate Campaign letter under Projects).
- Our collection of new & gently used bras are sent to Free the Girls, a non-profit which distributes them to agencies that work with survivors of trafficking. (see Free the Girls flyer Projects)
- Violence against Women is a major focus of Zonta. My Sister’s Place, Hope’s Door, Victims Assistance Services and Sparrow’s Hope for Girls are agencies devoted to the prevention of violence and to the protection of abused women and young girls. Over the years our club has generously donated to these agencies; and invited them to speak at membership meetings.
- Knowing the importance of raising awareness among others the club presented “Breaking the Silence: Understanding Domestic Violence”. The two speakers offered a compelling sometimes horrifying picture of the issue. (see Breaking the Silence” flyer under Events)
- For several years the Club sponsored a RAVE walk (Rape & Violence Eradication). Monies raised were given as a scholarship for nurses who were trained as SANE nurses (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner). We also assembled Comfort kits for rape victims. The kits were then distributed to local hospitals.
- Women and their families in Afghanistan have stayed warm from our knitting project; and we stand with other volunteers serving our brothers and sisters at a community soup kitchen.
- From 2005 to the present, the Club supports Ejay’s Charities (a medical mission in Nigeria) with funds and donations of supplies, clothing, etc. In the past funds were collected to support the Zonta Club of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
- Club members also advocate for laws that address issues of gender inequality, human trafficking, domestic violence, etc. Letters are written to legislators; discussions are held at our meetings. And we educate the community about these important issues.
- We recently presented a panel presentation for the community on “The Persistence of Gender Inequality” (see Events). Questions posed to the panel were: Economic (In) Justice: What’s Holding Women Back?; Engaging Men & Boys For Gender Equality - What message does the inequality in the workforce, sports, home send to men and boys about entitlement, gender roles and equality?; Violence against Women in the Media – How it affects both men AND women.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Since 1998, we have presented the Young Women in Public Affairs Award to a local high school student. Initially scholarships were $250 to $500. For the past nine years, a $1,000 Scholarship has been given each year. More information can be found under the Scholarship link.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Club members meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Fogarty’s Restaurant, 60 Kraft Avenue, Bronxville, NY 10708. We conduct business, hear from community leaders about their work, and (equally important) share in the comradery and friendships that we have developed.
FUNDRAISERS
Our annual spring fundraiser is the one major event of the year. Replete with a fashion show, delicious brunch, auction, and raffles the monies we raise fund both our club’s projects and Zonta International projects and programs. We also honor a Zontian of the Year or a Woman of the Year.
For additional information please link to Meetings and Events.