Female Leaders in Philanthropy
Women's Leadership Initiative of United Way of the Ozarks
"A network of women helping women."
Dr. Nancy O’Reilly
2013 FLiP Chairperson
It is our mission to engage and encourage the women in our community to become involved as philanthropists, advocates and mentors.
Female Leaders in Philanthropy (FLiP) was founded in 2003 by Roseann Bentley, Sally Hargis and Mary Kay Meek. Together they sought to help women better understand their power and influence in the community and to realize their potential for charitable giving.
Since that time, FLiP's primary focus has remained on those issues that affect women and children. Our purpose is to encourage women to become actively involved in the community and in addressing three critical issue areas: Children at Risk, Basic Needs & Self Sufficiency and Health Families. Collectively, we work to address these issues by helping to end childhood hunger by serving as a funding partner with the Ozarks Food Harvest's Weekend Backpack Program in Springfield Public Schools, and helping to build a woman's self-esteem and getting them workforce-ready through the Suit Yourself Boutique.
The Suit Yourself Boutique, which started as a Day of Caring project, has provided thousands of women with interview/work-appropriate outfits and the boost of confidence needed to enter (or re-enter) the workplace. Thanks to OakStar Bank, the Suit Yourself Boutique moved into its current location at 320 West Pershing in Downtown Springfield in 2010.
Learn more about the FLiP initiatives
FLiP has several active committees in which members can become involved:
Suit Yourself Boutique Committee – The Suit Yourself Boutique is a clothing boutique for women who are entering or re-entering the workforce. Women scheduling appointments at the Suit Yourself Boutique can shop free of charge for interview and workplace appropriate clothing, with the help of a dedicated personal shopper. To schedule an appointment at the Boutique and find out more information, contact Megan Blevins.
Membership Committee – The Membership Committee works to recruit new members, plan informative and educational programs for membership meetings, and develop fundraising activities.
Special Events Committee – The Special Events Committee is primarily responsible for our signature event, An Evening in Paris. The event includes a live auction of original pieces from local artists, as well as a fun silent auction.
Interested in learning more about FLiP or becoming a member? Click here for more information, or contact Cindy Howell or Megan Blevins at 417.863.7700.FLiP Signature Event-An Evening in Paris
Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual FLiP signature event: An Evening in Paris. This special event will be held on Sunday, August 4th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Springfield Art Museum. The highlight of the event will be a live art auction featuring original pieces by local artists. There will also be an hors d’oeuvres buffet, cash bar and silent auction. This event is dedicated to assisting women and children in our community work toward a more positive and successful future. Last year, the event raised over $20,000 to benefit FLiP’s community impact initiatives: the Suit Yourself Boutique and the Ozarks Food Harvest Weekend Backpack Program. However, the real benefit in the lives of those women and children is immeasurable. This year, in addition to Suit Yourself and the Backpack program designated proceeds will support an art scholarship for children from Title I schools in Springfield. If you are interested in joining us for An Evening in Paris or becoming a sponsor of the event, contact Cindy Howell or Megan Blevins at 417.863.7700.
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