Together with support from Messina’s Liquors of North Andover, and Presenting Sponsor First Essex Bank, the YWCA’s Annual Wine Tasting & Auction raised substantial resources for YWCA programs.

Quota International, a community service women's organization, has renewed its financial and volunteer support for the YWCA's domestic violence and children's programs for 2004. Their efforts raise money for the YWCA OASIS Program, the children's literacy initiative and in 2004 they will be hosting a 'shower' to welcome new residents to YWCA housing programs.

Lanam Club Event Helps YWCA
The YWCA of Greater Lawrence was recently chosen as the beneficiary of the 3rd annual charitable gala of the Friends of the Lanam Club, held March 12, 2004. The Casino Night was co-chaired by local business women and entrepreneurs, Lillian Montalto of Lillian Montalto Signature Properties and Kathy Droste of Droste Consultants. Other committee members included Eileen Novelline and Judy Reghitto, both of Andover and Jo Anne Grella and Bridget Grella, both of Methuen.

Proceeds of the festive evening benefit the YWCA’s Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Programs.

"Everyone will be a winner at this evening filled with lavish dining, games and prizes," said co-chair Lillian Montalto. "But most importantly, the real winners of the evening will be the women and children cared for at the YWCA. The Casino Night will help support victims of family violence who are struggling to start over."

The Mother Connection Helps YWCA Kids
The Mother Connection, a non-profit organization of nearly 800 Merrimack Valley mothers and families, has chosen to provide children enrolled in YWCA child care, after school and residential programs for teen mothers and victims of family violence with a new backpack and school supplies purchased and collected by The Mother Connection and their member families.

The Mother Connection plans to provide at least 100 backpacks for at-risk children in the YWCA Girls Center, the Teen Living Program and the OASIS Project. The new backpacks and supplies will help motivate and excite children about being successful in school.

To learn more about the event, or to become a member of The Mother Connection, visit www.themotherconnection.org.