The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club October meeting focused on Walking the Road to Wellness/Breast Cancer Awareness and UNICEF.

Acknowledging October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the co hostesses – Donna Trapp and Pam Hagedorn – used the color pink for accents and refreshments to enhance the awareness of cancer.

Final plans for the Fifth Annual Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraiser Walk were confirmed. This year the walk is in memory of Maudie Bedford. Eleven sponsors are supporting Book Lovers with the walk, which will be held October 29 starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Russellville High School Field House Touchdown Club Room. Registration fee is $20, and proceeds will benefit local women on their journey to wellness.

Ponda Gordon, vice president, presided over the meeting. She presented a program on UNICEF.   

The government of the United States continues to be UNICEF’s largest supporter, providing $884 million in funding in 2021.   

More than 190 countries and territories work through UNICEF to save children’s lives, defend their rights, provide access to education, protection, healthcare, nutrition, safe water and emergency relief and  help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

UNICEF collaborates with governments and corporations, non-profit groups, civic leaders and celebrities, churches and other faith-based organizations, youth groups, campus groups, teachers, students and families – anyone willing to help advocate for the survival and well-being of every child.

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began 70 years ago as a way to help children affected by World War II. Since 1950, the annual tradition of Kids Helping Kids – involving donations big and small – has raised $180 million to help UNICEF support children.

Many of us experienced our first fundraising project at school by participating in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. The iconic orange box serves as a memory of how we were empowered as children to help other children all over the world. Through this project, we made a difference in some child’s life.

In support of the GFWC Alabama President’s Project, Celebrating our Everyday Heroes, Book Lovers members donated goodie bags to our local firefighters. October is also recognized as Fire Prevention Month.

“Firefighter appreciation isn’t just a once a year affair because firefighters are there for each of us every day.” –Motivational speaker Byron Pulsifer