By Jean Stuart and Patti Otte
Nationally-renowned biochemist and cancer researcher Helen Dyer once stated, “Volunteering is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” A group of women in Richardson lives by that motto. They are members of Altrusa International of Richardson, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating in the city since 1967. These dedicated volunteers are shaping the future through acts of service and giving.
Founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1917, Altrusa International, Inc. has 392 clubs worldwide in 19 countries, 36 of which are in Texas. The name “Altrusa” was coined from ALT (altruism) and USA (United States), reflecting the patriotism of the WWI era in America. Altrusa International of Richardson, Texas, Inc. was presented with a charter on May 23, 1967. The club is governed by officers and a board of directors. Currently, there are more than seventy regular members plus emeritus members.
Altrusa Richardson hosts the “Outstanding Woman of Today… Builders of Tomorrow” awards luncheon, a fundraiser held annually in the fall. The awards luncheon recognizes the tremendous achievements of working women— women of leadership—who exemplify determination and innovation and have made an outstanding contribution in their field and have “Hearts for Humanity.” Monies raised by the event fund the club’s service projects and contributions for the following year.
Altrusa founding a choose Kind library in Kenya
Altrusa hosts party at Ability House
Altrusan delivering coats to Network
Last year alone, among many other altruistic acts, Altrusa Richardson accrued 14,045 hours of service (a $478,343 value if hours were paid). In addition, they funded $13,000 in scholarships and $12,000 in grants to community nonprofits, donated 500 emergency food kits and 270 coats to NETWORK, and set up and maintained 20 Choose Kind libraries in RISD.
Altrusa Richardson’s target population is children, elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged persons. Jean Stuart, current vice president who will become president in the 2024-2025 term, adds, “We search for need. We have adopted a home that cares for six adults with disabilities; we celebrate their birthdays with gifts and cake and celebrate/decorate for holidays (i.e. Halloween and Christmas). We call Bingo and hold auctions (with paper money and gifts we provide) at local area senior assisted living facilities. We celebrate Kindness Weekend every April, during which we not only spread kindness but also involve the city and other organizations.”
Choose Kind Library funded by Altrusa
“It is not enough to be good. Altrusans must be good for something”
– Mamie L. Bass, Altrusa’s first national president
Preparing gifts to give female veterans
Stuart goes on to say, “Altrusa is different because, while we donate some money to others, most of what we do is hands-on, meeting those we are serving, while loving what we do. It seems that all our projects are filled with laughter and camaraderie. We say join us for fun, friendship, kindness, service and community.”
The organization hopes to grow and will be hosting ‘recruitment’ events in the next few months. They have many upcoming projects and welcome others to help them better serve the community. Furthermore, Altrusa Richardson is now opening the Grant application process for the year and looking for community nonprofits who might apply for those grants. For more information about Altrusa Richardson, visit http://altrusarichardson.com.
Altrusa Richardson Encourages Area Nonprofits To Apply For Grants
Altrusa International of Richardson announces that applications are now being accepted for grants to qualifying area nonprofits for the 2023-2024 grants cycle. Grants typically range from $1,000-$1,500. Monies provided by Altrusa grants must be used by awardees for specific projects benefitting the community and disbursed no later than May 31, 2024, unless otherwise reported. A fillable application form and submission instructions are available on the Altrusa website at http://altrusarichardson.com/grants Additionally, reminder letters are being sent to 501(c)(3) recipient organizations who received funding last year.
The deadline for submitting a grant application is August 31, 2023. Applications will be reviewed by the grants committee. Funding recommendations will then be submitted to the Altrusa International of Richardson Foundation, which will make the awards. Grantees will receive notification by October 31, 2023.
If you need more information about the grant submission process, please contact Grants Committee Chair Mary Shiroma at 214-914-3634 or by email at maryshiroma@outlook.com.
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