Cullasaja Women’s Outreach

Written By: Margaret Eichman | Issue: 2018/11 - November

Far beyond the visible beauty of our Blue Ridge range lie astounding treasures…treasures embedded in the hearts of local organizations, schools, and charities whose people work tirelessly to build a stronger, more vibrant, more caring community.  This past summer, the ladies of Cullasaja Women’s Outreach met with over 27 Highlands-Cashiers area 501(c)(3) organizations. The riches they uncovered were astounding.

Selflessness was found in the people providing in-school, after-school, and summer programs for our children.  Compassion was found in the volunteers who distribute food and pay heating bills for people facing winter hardships.  Generosity was found in the doctors, dentists, administrators, and therapists who donate their services to help heal and promote health for the un- and under-insured.  Passion was found in those providing childcare and in others striving to bring the joy of music, art, nature, history, and performance into the lives of all residing on this incredible mountain plateau.

As a result of their discoveries, Cullasaja Women’s Outreach − an independent collective of 97 women − directed grants totaling $191,900 to local area charities and non-profits through their CWO Charities fund.  Monies raised were distributed through a sophisticated grants process led by Lindy Colson Harrison and Nancy Harrison. Recipients included B.E.A.R.; Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic; Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau; Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society; Center for Life Enrichment; Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers; Counseling & Psychotherapy Center of Highlands; Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry; Friends of Panthertown; Gordon Center for Children; Highlands Biological Foundation; Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival; Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust; Highlands Community Child Development Center; Highlands Emergency Council; Highlands Historical Society; Highlands Hurricanes Swim Team; Highlands-Cashiers Players; Hudson Library; International Friendship Center/Food Pantry; Blue Ridge Junior Appalachian Musicians; Literacy Council of Highlands; Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center; Peggy Crosby Community Service Center; Summit Charter School; and The Bascom.

“It doesn’t take millions to make a difference,” noted Margaret Eichman, CWO executive director.  “All it takes is a willingness to listen and respond to the needs of the community.  Whether a gift of time, talent, or dollars, no gift is too small when given from the heart.”

Since its founding in 2006, this grassroots group has invested over $1.4 million in organizations serving the Highlands-Cashiers community through their donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.