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Inspired Women Pittsburgh South boosts charitable ‘giving circles’

By Harry Funk staff Writer hfunk@thealmanac.Net 3 min read
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A giving circle is a form of philanthropy in which participants pool their money and decide on recipients. In the case of Inspired Women Pittsburgh South, contributors do so by vote.

Kym Gable

“They know exactly what to expect,” chapter leader Kym Gable explained. “They bring their check. That check is written out directly to that nonprofit. So it’s really just a go-between.”

Gable, a Bethel Park resident, helped launch the group in 2017 as an affiliate of the North Hills-based Inspired Women Paying It Forward. A third chapter, in Westmoreland County, started last year, in keeping with a growing number of giving circles nationally.

“All women need to network and we want to give back, but between work and family our plates are overfilled,” Inspired Women Paying It Forward founder Debra Dion Krischke said. “One more committee meeting, one more obligation, one more demand for our time puts many of us on overload. And yet we care about other women.”

After attending a meeting of Dion Krischke’s group, Gable was inspired to start one in her area.

“Working in TV news for 25 years, I would meet directors of organizations that don’t necessarily have those robust marketing budgets to raise awareness,” the KDKA reporter said. “I would always think to myself, my gosh. I wish I had a way, besides telling their stories and finding solutions in that arena, to help everybody. Certainly this isn’t that expansive just yet, but these smaller organizations that are doing amazing things are getting recognition.”

The format for Inspired Women meetings, which are held quarterly, is a networking session with refreshments followed by an hour-long business portion. Participants nominate charities for consideration, and three are drawn from the suggestions.

The members championing those organizations, which must be registered as 501©(3) with programming that supports women and girls, make short appeals on their behalf. One is selected by majority vote, at which point every member writes a check for $100 made out directly to that charity.

“It’s very emotional. There often are tears shed,” Gable said. “A lot of people bring photographs or images of the people and the places they’re helping, and it’s a difficult decision when it comes down to casting your individual ballot.”

With about 65 members so far – the $100 pledge constitutes membership – the Pittsburgh South chapter raises some $6,500 every three months. Two of the quarterly meetings’ donations go to local charities, while the other two are for initiatives with a more global focus.

“Collectively, all three chapters within the past three years have given well over $100,000,” Gable said.

The next Inspired Women Pittsburgh South meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at Hyatt Place Pittsburgh South/Meadows Racetrack & Casino in North Strabane Township.

For more information about Inspired Women Paying It Forward and membership details, visit www.inspiredwomen.com.

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