The YWCA of Palm Beach County is seeking nominations for its 2014 Grace Hoadley Dodge Award.
The award is presented annually to a woman residing in Palm Beach County who has overcome adversity while empowering herself and creating opportunities for other women toward their own empowerment.
Grace Hoadley Dodge benefited greatly from the wealth and business acumen of her family. In 1874, at the age of 18, she dropped out of Miss Porter’s School, determined that her interests were not in the program offerings but in helping people in need.
Dodge began her career as a social worker and philanthropist teaching Sunday school and sewing classes. She taught for five years at the Children’s Aid Society in New York. She initiated tenement reform in 1879 from her position as chair of the Working Girl’s Society’s Committee on Elevation of the Poor.
Dodge was instrumental in the development of the Kitchen Garden Association in New York, later reorganized into the Industrial Education Association, that in 1889 became Teachers College. The college later became a part of Columbia University. In 1886, Dodge was given one of the first two seats for women on New York City’s Board of Education. She helped establish the Girls’ Public School Athletic League in 1905, acted for six years as the first president of the YWCA of the United States, and was influential in the consolidation of church groups into the New York Travelers Aid Society in 1907.
Information required on the application includes the nominee’s name, address, phone number and current occupation, as well as the adversity she has overcome, how she overcame it and how she has helped empower others. The name and contact information about the person making the nomination is also needed.
The award will be presented at the YWCA’s annual Donor and Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on June 17 at Bear Lakes Country Club, in West Palm Beach.
Applications must be received by the YWCA no later than May 28 at: Grace Dodge Award Committee, YWCA of Palm Beach County, 1016 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
For more information, or to request an application, call the YWCA of Palm Beach County at (561) 640-0050, ext. 115.
