Bucks County Women's Fund Honors 2009 Women of Vision

The Bucks County Women's Fund will spotlight shining proponents of women's leadership and philanthropy by presenting 2009 Woman of Vision Awards to four distinguished honorees.

The ceremony will take place at the fund's annual grantmaking dinner, "The Power of the Purse" on Thursday, March 26 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland. The event also will feature $21,250 in grant presentations, a silent auction and raffle, and a keynote address by Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D., a pioneer in the women's funding movement.

Hunt will also receive a Woman of Vision Award at the celebratory event. The Bucks County Women's Fund chose to honor Hunt for her early and extraordinary commitments to inspiring social philanthropy among women and her tireless dedication to empowering women around the globe.

The Bucks County Women's Fund also will award the distinction to Robin L. Wiessmann, former Pennsylvania Treasurer and Deputy Director of Finance for the City of Philadelphia. A resident of Upper Makefield, Wiessmann provided creative stewardship of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania funds and pioneered professional support of women in finance and government, both during her tenure as a public servant and through her work in the private sector.

Karen H. Thompson of Lahaska will receive the Woman of Vision Award for her business acumen, inspirational leadership for women and girls, and her multi-faceted approach to community philanthropy. The founder of Lace Silhouettes Lingerie, Inc., Thompson has built upon her business success by becoming an inspiring mentor and social entrepreneur.

The Bucks County Women's Fund will present the Woman of Vision Award posthumously to the late Peggy Hoffman Adams of Bedminster. A businesswoman, community activist, feminist and volunteer, Hoffman was a lifelong advocate for the abilities of women and girls, offering generous gifts of time, effort and leadership throughout the Bucks County community. Betsy Meredith of Quakertown will accept the award on behalf of Peggy Adams.

"The Power of the Purse" also will celebrate the presentation of $21,250 in grants to seven Bucks County organizations following a year of listening and assessing the needs of women and girls in Bucks County. The grants are designed to create lasting, positive change by focusing on economic security and self-sufficiency for women, next generation leadership, and access to information and services.

"The Power of the Purse" reception and silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar. Dinner, with choice of entree, will be served at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $80 per person, and guests are encouraged to "Bring a Clutch" by reserving a table for 12 for $1,000. All proceeds benefit the ability of the Bucks County Women's Fund to provide a long-term vision of safety, opportunity and leadership for Bucks women and girls to create systemic social change.

For detailed information, please visit www.bcwf.org. To learn more, call 215.345.5440 or send an email to event@bcwf.org.