There are a lot of activities in our chapter....

Every year we host a basket auction and brunch as our primary fundraiser for scholarships.  These scholarships are awarded to graduating Sevier county high school and continuing education students.  We normally award 2 -  3 scholarships a year ranging from $1000 - $2000.  In 2007, we achieved our goal to award 7 $1000 scholarships!

ASSOCIATE NIGHT (formerly known as Boss' Night)

Every year, at the April meeting, we gather with our co-workers, associates, and boss', to recognize one in a special way.  Each member is allowed to nominate an associate that they feel is deserving of our chapter's recognition.  A committee from another ABWA chapter selects one deserving individual for their achievements at work and in the community.  The winner is surprised at the meeting.

The 2007 Associate of the Year was presented to Sharese Fluker, facility controller at TRW-Fuji Valve.  Sharese was nominated by Michelle Wallace, ABWA Sevier Chapter Vice President.

From Left:  Ranee King, Associate Night Chair;

Sharese Fluker and Michelle Wallace.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Every March, one of our chapter members is selected as our Woman of the Year.  Each member is encouraged to nominate a member, in good standing, that they feel is deserving of the WOY title.  The nominees profiles are sent to another chapter for rating.  Then one woman is selected from the group of nominated candidates.  At the March meeting, the nominees are recognized and the Woman of the Year is announced.  The 2007 - 2008 Sevier Chapter Woman of the Year is Stacy Taylor. 

Congratulations Stacy!

The Sevier Chapter is also involved in the annual Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. 

SECRET SISTERS

Our local ABWA has ongoing secret sisters each year for those who wish to participate.  Secret sister names were chosen in January 2008.  Members will sign their name on their final gift in January 2009 and new Secret Sisters will be chosen. 

JULY PICNIC & WHITE ELEPHANT AUCTION

Jeannie Allen does a wonderful and quite entertaining job as our auctioneer.  A great time is had by all.

Connie Holbert states she "loves the White Elephant Sales and Picnics that we have.  You get to enjoy a meal plus it is casual and you have fun.  Plus you get nice things at a bargain!"

NETWORKING

Publicity Chair Ranee King states "I enjoy so many aspects of being a member of Sevier Chapter of ABWA.  As a new small business owner, I joined ABWA for the networking, which has been great!  I always meet new women, not only at the regular monthly meetings, but during outside events we hold. I have made lasting friendships as well."

RETREAT

Our first retreat was March 4 - 6, 2005 at the Eagle's Ridge Resort in Pigeon Forge.  Please click HERE to view the photos from the retreat.  Please be sure to come back to our site!  Chapter President, Ranee King said "It was a great opportunity to really get to know each other and have fun together. Those of us who attended definitely came away with a greater bond.  I'm looking forward to next year's 2nd Annual!"

Ginny Cliett states "My favorite activity of the Sevier Chapter ABWA is our benevolence program and community involvement. Each month we feature a guest speaker – and this person is often from a worthy organization in the area. For example, during the past few months we have invited a representative from SafeSpace – a shelter for abused women AND men! We donated much needed items in order to promote their cause. In addition, we had a speaker from the local Children’s Home – his visit included one house parent and two of the children residents there. As a result of his talk, we were informed of volunteer work that is needed – some of our members volunteered – and we also published their major fundraiser in our newsletter. In addition, one of our member’s husbands was stationed in Afghanistan – our chapter collected items for school children in that country. Other special needs were also met – participation in the Relay for Life, the Santa Fund, scholarship donations, plus numerous individual contributions. It gives me so much pleasure to work with a group of women who are so giving and with an organization that promotes this attitude. Thank you sisters and ABWA!"

ABOUT US....

Membership Chair Dee Lewis wraps everything up when she describes Sevier Chapter as: "Trying to determine one event or meeting that I enjoy most is extremely difficult. Of course, we always have lots of fun at the July picnic and the Christmas Party but there is always something at each meeting that I really enjoy; program, recognition of a certain member & awards, being involved in planning special events, being involved in community activities where we help others. etc.