A recently-suspended tradition in Peoria returns this Spring with help from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois and the Women's Fund. The groups are hosting the 35th annual Women To Women Leader Luncheon. The YWCA started the event in 1978. But the tradition didn't go on last year when the cash-strapped YWCA ceased operating. Christine Shay chairs the Women's Fund Board. She says former YWCA officials asked if the Women's Fund could continue the luncheon:
“Our missions are very close. The YWCA’s mission was to empower women and eliminate racism, and the Women’s Fund mission is to strengthen families and communities by empowering women and girls,” Shay says.
Shay says the Women's Fund has given $170,000 in grants for nearly two decades. The Women To Women Leader Luncheon is May 28th at the Gateway Building. People can nominate women for different awards at the Community Foundation website.