WIGS holds annual luncheon and votes to donate $40,000 to five critical programs at People Helping People
On Thursday, March 31st, the Women's Independent Giving Society (WIGS) met for their annual luncheon. The luncheon was attended by 37 sustaining and regular WIGS members. "Uber" Chefs Phyllis Hennigan, Nancy Englander, Mila Hart, Kathie Gordon, Gerry Shepherd, and Pam Pilcher prepared a wonderful buffet of salads, chicken, salmon, quiche and muffins. Dean Palius, CEO of People Helping People presented the group with a report on the impact last year's grants had on PHP operations and the lives of those they serve. Palius, together with PHP Program Directors, Arcelia Sencion, Lois Craig, and Mary Conway; presented their priorities for funding in fiscal year 2011-12. Subsequent to the presentation, WIGS members voted to fund the following programs at the designated levels:
| Program | % Votes | $'s |
| Family Resource Centers | 43% | $17,320 |
| Emergency Services | 27% | $10,800 |
| Advocates for Domestic and Child Abuse Prevention (ADCAP) | 14% | $ 5,400 |
| Buellton Youth (Seeking Success) After School | 14% | $ 5,400 |
| Youth Down 2 Business (Workforce Investment) | 27% | $ 1,080 |
TOTAL: $ 40,000
This year's event and fundraising exceeded expectations with membership and donations increasing by 25%. This funding is essential to the work of PHP as the ranks of those in need has increased during the past three years of economic upheaval and as government at all levels has reduced funding. We are grateful to our continuing and new WIGS members who have decided to collect their resources and distribute them in a way to have the most direct and dramatic impact possible. There is no staff and no overhead expenses with WIGS and therefore every dollar goes directly to provide services here in our Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys.