top of page

2022 Year In Review

A Letter from the Board

In 2022 we navigated year three of the COVID pandemic, as our world slowly returned to “normal.” The impact of the federal CARES Act ending in September was definitely felt in the communities we serve.  In addition, sharp rises in food and fuel costs added to the burden.  Thankfully,  Oyster River Womenade was able to step in to help many of our neighbors in need. We’re grateful to have provided funds for rent, security deposits, dental bills, car repairs, home heating fuel, and childcare to name a few. The folks we help are so grateful……”My car is now fixed.  I couldn’t have done this without your help.  Many, many thanks!”

 

With the generous support of local businesses, fundraising events, grants, and our growing family of individual donors, we were able to fund 83 requests totaling over $61,000.  This also includes monetary donations to area school nurses and local programs that assist needy area children.  This year we answered 25% more requests, costing 54% more than in 2021. The unique ability ORW has to support those less fortunate in our communities would not be possible without your support. In a year where we’ve seen our overall funding sources decrease, the needs are greater than ever.

 

Our biggest fundraiser is NH Gives.  This online campaign takes place this year on June 6 & 7.  In 2022, with the help of matching sponsors and individual donors like YOU, we were able to raise just over $12,000. In 2023 we strive to do better to enable us to keep pace with requests for our assistance. Please consider helping ORW make this happen!

 

We said goodbye to several Board members this year and have already begun the search process for their replacements. If you live within the towns of Durham, Newmarket, Lee, or Madbury and can share some of your time and talent, please consider joining us. Visit our website for application details.

 

“The idea is simple; the impact is immeasurable”

 

Sincerely,

The Oyster River Womenade Board of Directors:

 

Nicole Bernarducci, Aubrey Bussey, Heidi Chase, Jan Dean, Cheryl Hoffman, Lisa Keslar, Liz McCaffrey, Susan Swass

Happiness

OYSTER RIVER WOMENADE’S 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

 

FULL-YEAR

  • Supported 83 members of our community in need through validated requests.

  • Provided $61,000 in funds to support our neighbors. Answered 25% more requests, costing 54% more than in 2021

JANUARY

  • Presented ORW mission at Riverwoods Durham.

  • Thomas Haas Fund award of $800 for food and fuel.

  • $4,150 from the International Women's Club.

  • $5000 from the Heron Brook Fund.

MAY 

  • ORW funded summer camps for elementary students that otherwise would have been unable to attend. 

JUNE 

  • Eversource Grant of $1000. Raised $12K through NH Gives. Participated in Durham Day

JULY

  • Received $1000 grant from the Town of Lee.

SEPTEMBER

  • Organized Bingo event for the Town of Lee Fair.

  • Donated school supplies to area students in need.

  • Durham Great Bay Rotary donated $500 to honor Michael Hoffman as their 2022 Citizen of the Year.

OCTOBER 

  • Shared our mission with the Lee Church Congregational.

  • Sponsored hydration station at the "Trot through the Trees".

  • Discussed our mission at the Town of Lee Managers Meeting.

  • Received $1000 from Reverend Larry Brickner- Wood's Facebook drive.

NOVEMBER 

  • Raised $4000 through Giving Tuesday.

DECEMBER 

  • Supported area school nurses' fund for holiday meals, clothing, and other necessities.

bottom of page