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Carleton Weitz Fellows | February 28, 2023
Weitz Insights
Power Sharing | September 10, 2024
Groovy Grantee Gathering
This blog is estimated to take 3 minutes to read.
The approach of a new season always inspires reflection of the one just past. Fall may officially be only a few short weeks away, but I’m still hanging on to what was a busy and eventful summer! In July, we hosted our Groovy Grantee Gathering for partners to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. This was the third time we held this event, and each year we are so moved to have such a large and dynamic group of our grantees in one room. Gatherings are a space for folks to meet new colleagues, catch up with old ones, learn from one another, and ultimately grow as a community.
Groovy Grantee Gathering was totally far out! Our venue at The Omar offered a unique space for attendees to network. Partners could choose between a delicious lunch catered by Zaytuna or Busy Vegan before enjoying a fruit popsicle from Tipico Helado. Balloon backdrop creations by Dreamy Displays and music from DJ Errik Ejike were major contributors to building an atmosphere that was vibrant and inviting. Maria Julie snapped photos that truly captured the energy of the room. We brought back the ever-popular bracelet-making station and added disco coloring pages that I made specifically for this event. I loved it when folks walked by and showed me what they made—everyone’s works were so colorful and creative! For those who enjoy games, we had UNO cards and Mancala at tables for people to play. Fun trinkets are always a must for us—the round, tinted sunglasses were quite popular! Folks could also pick up some disco stickers, bubbles, fans, and even handy straw covers for their water bottles. Of course, we love a good theme, so obviously we had to have disco balls everywhere!
Our team took some time for a short program to share gratitude for partners and quick application updates as well as opportunities for advocacy and equity. I enjoyed asking our audience questions and hearing about what drives them, their work, vacations that inspired greater reflection, and even stories behind their groovy outfits! We also announced the winners for networking bingo, who received gift certificates from Busy Vegan and Tipico Helado. Yum!
About Groovy Grantee Gathering, one partner wrote:
“I look forward to the gatherings every time they are announced. I feel way more a part of the community there than other things I’ve attended in the past. I think it’s a reflection of the choices the Weitz Family Foundation makes when giving. Those choices have built a commonality between grantees which makes for a room full of like-minded individuals and organizations. It feels like things can truly expand when this particular group gets together. I develop more connections in an hour than I do all month. Thanks.”
Another person said:
“I left with new connections and new friends! I have already reached out to several people who I met during this event and look forward to building a partnership with them.”
Regarding what they enjoyed most, a grantee shared:
“The genuine fun of it. The ability to show up in the space with no expectations. To not be tied down to a window of coming and going but to know that just being in the space for a while was enough and the only expectation was to socialize. The genuine space created in a room of people who are doing community-based work and being able to see and honor that.”
We appreciate those who gave us feedback directly in-person, via email, or through our follow-up survey! Our team earnestly considers these comments and notes suggestions to inform upcoming events we host.
When I first brainstormed the idea for Grantee Gathering, I could not have imagined it would turn out the way that it has! A huge thanks to every person who attended and those who worked to ensure its success. Being surrounded by so many exceptional professionals who are committed to making our community better is such a delight for us at Weitz Family Foundation. Until next year—peace and love!
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