Philanthropy Focus – Supporting Women & Girls All Year Long
Every year when March rolls around, International Women’s Day is at the top of my mind. As you already know, one of my goals for The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, is to uplift women and girls year-round. March 8th simply serves to remind me of my “why” in supporting the uphill climb toward a gender equal world.
The Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls’ courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place has long been a natural fit for Bob and my philanthropic goals. I’m incredibly proud to highlight our most recent gift to Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) of $2.25 million to help expand outdoor programming to reach girls of all backgrounds and abilities, with a focus on building self-esteem, sisterhood, and harnessing the mental and physical benefits of being outside. This gift marks $10 million in total support to this organization over the past 10 years. I can’t think of a better time to celebrate than on International Women’s Day!
On a personal note, my favorite way to enjoy the outdoors is through the game of golf. I find that when I’m out on the course, things not only become quiet around me, but also within me. My mind slows down, the busyness of life drops away, and I can sink into the game and the beauty of my surroundings. This quiet I find on the course, helps me find peace through the ups and down that life inevitably brings. I am pleased that we’re able to support GSACPC in bringing peace, beauty, and the many other benefits of Arizona’s outdoors to a growing number of girls. And just a reminder…have fun out there, ladies!
You can read more about the GSACPC’s plans for expanding outdoor programming here.
And if you’re looking for a way to support your local troop, look no further…Girl Scout Cookie Season is still here! But, for my local Arizona friends, you’ll have to hurry because Cookie Season ends in the valley on March 5th. Cookie Season is so much more than delighting in a sweet treat; it gives Girl Scouts the incredible opportunity to build skills that will benefit their futures like goal setting, money management, people skills and teamwork! Need I say more? Get your cookies here.