LUDLOW, Vt. – Penny Trick, president of the Okemo Valley Women’s Club (OVWC) recently presented the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) Director Carol Lighthall with a generous donation of $700 towards the Okemo Valley Disaster Relief Fund. The OVRCC launched the Okemo Valley Disaster Relief Fund after the devastating floods in July impacting their region. OVWC is also a member of the OVRCC.
In a few short months, the Okemo Valley Disaster Fund raised over $200,000 from locals, second homeowners, and visitors. The local 501(c)3 fiscal agent for the fund is another chamber member, the Ludlow Rotary Club. Funds were distributed to both businesses and individuals. There was a grant application process for businesses. The Crown Point Board of Realtors assisted in distributing funds to individuals in need, as they had during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. Those who wish to donate may do so online at www.yourplaceinvermont.com/accepting-donations-for-flood-relief, or mail in a contribution to the Okemo Valley Disaster Fund, P.O. Box 333, Ludlow VT 05149.
The local Okemo Valley Women’s Club, with approximately 40 members, is affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer services. They host regular monthly meetings with speakers, as well as various fundraising events throughout the year, including the Tree of Remembrance in Veterans Park in Ludlow, as well as bake and tag sales in support of their scholarship program for local high school seniors. They are also hosting a food drive on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at two separate locations, the Okemo Mountain School in Ludlow, and Singleton’s in Proctorsville, as part of the GFWC’s “National Day of Service.” You can find them on Facebook.