Ode to Impact 100 2022
A Poem by Rose Palmieri
It’s December and the Impact Board is meeting
After a year of hard work, time for bubbly and eating
We have much to celebrate
So, sit back, listen and grab a plate
They say it takes a village and this group of women qualifies
We get it done one way or another, with some compromise
Collectively funding transformational grants that make a lasting impact, is our mission
After 21 years this is our tradition
We’ve funded lots of programs and projects that transformed
Allowing our members & community to be informed
Our success is achieved through working together for a lot of hours
Which creates energy that gives us our powers
We spend all year recruiting members
But, as you might expect, most of the work is done in December
Without our sponsors to help with our expenses
I would hate to suffer through those consequences
Volunteers signed up and some recruited
We were glad for those who were well suited
The unplugged series was again a success
How wonderful it was to enjoy nature with little stress
Expenses were recorded and budgets tracked
It takes a lot of effort and that’s a fact
Live gatherings with our members resumed
Much food and wine was consumed
Adding an equity lens to our process began
This was always part of our plan
Our gems reviewed and analyzed grant requests
Using a different process as a test
We again recorded the finalists’ speeches
All agreed they would rather be visiting beaches
Marketing, PR & Communications developed comprehensive plans
I think I can say each of us were very big fans
It’s foreign to most of us how to manage the website
I compare that work to a Halloween night fright
Nominating is always looking for new members for the Board
We are always pleased when they have scored
Governance work is detailed and necessary
We are so happy they can deliver the product and still be merry
Our President said she would do it again for another year
I think we owe this woman a giant beer
Our secretary kept us all well organized
And because of that we are all very energized
Association Connection managed all the pieces and parts
They will forever be in our hearts
Our Young Philanthropists brought us an injection of youth
That was a welcomed sight to those of us long in the tooth
To Barb Wriston-Ruddy, Kate Burroughs, Rhonda Starghill, Sarah Grace Mohr, Lisa O’Brien, Barb Magella, and me (Rose Palmieri)
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night
We hate to see you go; thanks for sharing your insights
I think this is the end of my attempt at being a poet
I am sure you can’t wait for me to stow it
One last phrase to all my Impact 100 sisters
May this season of thanks and giving bring you all joy and happiness
Keep up the great work! See you in 2023!