Recognizing May 9, 2002 as "WOMEN'S WAY DAY" in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, For twenty-five years, WOMEN’S WAY has served as the premier funding organization for women’s services and advocacy programs in the eight-county Philadelphia region; and

WHEREAS, Established as a coalition of seven groundbreaking agencies addressing the unmet needs of women in the mid-1970’s, WOMEN’S WAY developed the first and most successful national models of women’s federated fundraising. The organization has raised and allocated millions of dollars to benefit hundreds of thousands of women and their families over the last quarter of a century; and

WHEREAS, Challenging inequality, implementing change and meeting women’s unmet needs continues to be at the core of WOMEN’S WAY’s mission. In 2002, WOMEN’S WAY is commemorating its first quarter century with a Celebration of Change, a year-long examination of women’s evolving role, current status and future challenges. To mark this special anniversary, WOMEN’S WAY is holding educational forums, discussions and celebratory events with the overall goal of reinvigorating public interest in women’s issues; and

WHEREAS, The Celebration of Change programs are led by an intergenerational team and the educational forums held in collaboration with other community-minded institutions. All programs are designed to engage people throughout the Philadelphia region in a thought-provoking dialogue and to help frame an agenda for change; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of this terrific milestone, this Council proudly recognizes May 9, 2002 as “WOMEN’S WAY DAY” in this City.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend WOMEN’S WAY on the great occasion of its 25th Anniversary of advocacy and service.

RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Melissa Weiler Gerber, Executive Director; and Lynn Yeakel, WOMEN’S WAY 25, Chairperson, as evidence of the deep admiration, sincere respect and hearty congratulations of this legislative body.

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