The efforts of a dedicated group of community women came to fruition in 2001 as this broad-based fund drew support from over 100 donors committed to the mission: "Make it possible for women and girls to improve the quality of their lives." The first solicitation for this fund raised over $75,000 in cash and pledges which will be used to build a permanent endowment. An additional $5000 for the first distribution in 2001 was raised through fund raising efforts and assistance from Wal-Mart and the Main Street Community Foundation. A two year grant from the Farmington Savings Bank Foundation was also provided for start- up costs.

As a response to the tragic events of September 11th, Women and Girls' Fund members organized a collaborative effort with the Salvation Army and other community volunteers to collect money for the Salvation Army effort at "ground zero" in New York City. In one day, this group raised $10,000 from the citizens of Bristol with a Salvation Army kettle collection.

The Women and Girls' Fund is continuing to reach more and more women as the fund grows each year. In the four years since the Advisory Board was formed to direct the activities of the fund, $50,185 in grants have been awarded to programs in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott. The endowment presently exceeds $130,000, and the Advisory Board hopes to build the fund above $500,000 in the next few years.

Active committees composed of dynamic individuals bring the spirit of the Women and Girls' Fund into each community it serves. With the goal of assisting women and girls to obtain the skills they need to lead independent and productive lives, the Advisory Board recently crafted a new vision: "The Women and Girls' Fund taps the power of women to strengthen our communities and our world. We are the primary source of funding, and a catalyst, for initiatives that empower and celebrate women of all generations."

The annual fundraising event in April 2004, "A Celebration of Women," brought together 425 guests to network and enjoy a diverse program. Featuring a new video about the Fund's grants and influence, the program also included author Susan Borowitz, who presented ideas from her book, "When We're in Public, Pretend You Don't Know Me: Surviving Your Daughter's Adolescence." The 2005 event featured Bristol native Donata Maggipinto, a lifestyle contributor for NBC's Today Show. All proceeds from these events are distributed back into the community for projects that support females.