In the “can-do-right-now” spirit of the Women’s Foundation, I offer my first blog in my first week as Director of Communications and Philanthropic Programs!

Oprah’s latest gift to her ever enraptured audience was a feeling, not a Ferrari. She has challenged 300 people to accept $1,000 with the condition that they give it away. Since the show’s airing there has been much commentary and speculation on the popularity of this forced philanthropy, especially how it ranks amongst her previous benevolence.

24 hours and less than $2,337 to go! That’s where we stand with our $50,000 challenge grant where every gift made before the end of the day tomorrow will be matched by a donor to The Women’s Foundation.

Yesterday, I had my second visit to the THEARC (The Town Hall Education Arts & Recreation Campus), which is the new home of the Washington Middle School for Girls (WMSG) one of our Grantee Partners.

There’s a growing movement of women who have given a million dollars to help women and girls. And hey, with women starting business and graduating from colleges and universities at record levels, isn’t it time? One of our own, Julie Jensen, will be honored next week at the National Capitol Philanthropy Day for her giving way above and beyond any call of duty—and for her passion for investing in women and youth. Julie is leading a new generation of women philanthropists.

David Broder’s recent column in the Washington Post made me flash back to the final days of the 103^rd Congress. I was working for the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and there was a strong interest in demonstrating that the 22 women elected to Congress during 1992 or “Year of the Women” had made an important difference in the types of bills that were introduced and passed. The Women’s Caucus did some analysis and learned that there were an unprecedented number of bills – introduced as well as passed by the 103^rd Congress – focused on issues important to women and families.

Friends, I am pleased to say that one week after the Leadership Luncheon we are rapidly approaching utilizing the full $50,000 match provided by our angel, Charlotte Perret. Thank you to those who have given – gifts have ranged from $10 to $5,000. Special kudos to Women’s Foundation Board member Laurie Emrich, who has added another match to those contributions made by people who were her guests at the event.

Today the world heard that Yunus (as he is known in the international development world) has been honored with the Nobel prize. What Muhammad Yunus knows, and what has been the backbone of the work of Grameen and all of its emulators, is that it’s the WOMEN who start their businesses, pay back their loans at nearly flawless rates, and go on to improve not just their own lives…but those of many in their communities. Washington Area Women’s Foundation congratulates Yunus, and all the women who have taken advantage of Grameen’s programs.

WOW. WOW. WOW. What a day we had yesterday! THANK YOU!

Over 200 people attended the morning briefing and 1200 packed the ballroom for the lunch. We are on a high at the Foundation and hope you all are too. Don’t lose the vibe: check out the full set of unedited pictures, provided by our awesome photographic partner, Michael Colella.

Let me add my voice of welcome to Anne’s. I’m Donna Callejon and Chair the Board of Directors of the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. Whew, it’s been quite a couple of months for the team at the Foundation – Thanks to all of you who joined us at the annual Leadership Luncheon. Our team has been getting ready for this signature event, refining our metrics around Stepping Stones, bringing together donors, grantees and partners for a variety of convenings, and relaunching this website.