In April 1993, Ms. Foundation for Women inaugurated their first Take Your Daughters to Work Day. The program quickly gained popularity and became an annual April event for thousands of girls around the country. In 2003, the program was expanded to include sons and renamed Take Your Children to Work Day.
Last month, three Ellicott City Girl Scouts were selected to participate in a special TYCWD event — the annual Congressional Take Our Daughter To Work Day sponsored by the Girl Scouts of the USA, Women's Policy Inc. and Girls, Inc.
Howard High student Malerie Gamblin and Centennial High school students Emily Abdow and Rebecca "Becky" Goodridge were the only Girl Scouts chosen from Central Maryland to spent the day on Capitol Hill with three distinguished Congresswomen "moms".
Gamblin shadowed California Congresswoman Susan Davis, Abdow shadowed California Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Goodridge shadowed Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark.
"This is one of the many leadership opportunities that Girl Scouts of Central Maryland offer our girls," said Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Teen Leadership Specialist Allison Duvall.
A total of 17 Congresswomen participated in the 1-day program where the Girl Scouts spent three hours shadowing their elected official "moms" and attended a congressional lunch briefing in the Russell Senate Office Building with Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler.
Becky Goodridge's mother, Diane Goodridge, explained how "thrilled" her daughter was that Representative Clark was so "inclusive and attentive" during their time together. She had the opportunity to accompany the Congresswoman to the House Democrats' caucus where she heard Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and others speak. During a walk to a meeting, the Congresswoman shared her umbrella with Goodridge during a sudden downpour. The Centennial High student also had the opportunity to chat with Representative Clark's chief of staff, "who shared her perspective of what it's like to serve constituents and legislate on Capital Hill."
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It's been a busy month for these Girl Scouts. A few days preceding the Congressional event, the Ellicott City students were among 20 girls from Howard County who were recognized for earning their Girl Scout Gold Award — the highest award in Girl Scouting — in a ceremony conducted by state Del. Guy Guzzone.
Tracy O'Connor, the marketing director for St. John's Jewelers in Ellicott City, brought to my attention a wonderful organization that she volunteers for in Howard County called the Little Things for Cancer.
The nonprofit serves patients with cancer and their caregivers by funding "little things" that improve the quality of life for the patient and family, including child care, meals, co-payments, transportation, utility bill assistance, prescription payment assistance, house cleaning, entertainment and more.
According to the organizations website, its goal is "to improve the quality of life by reducing stress and anxiety for the person affected by cancer and those closest to them."
On Thursday, May 22, The Little Things for Cancer will host its third annual Golf Classic fundraiser at the Waverly Woods golf course in Woodstock with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Entry fees are $900 for a foursome and $225 for an individual.
"The Golf Classic has become a fun and important annual event to support the Little Things for Cancer," founder and Executive Director Wendy Letow said. "Thanks to the generosity of the many people who make it successful, we are able to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. "
The Gold Classic is only one way support this organization. O'Connor said, "There are events, volunteer and giving opportunities throughout the year." For more information about The Little Things for Cancer, go to their website at http://www.tlt4c.org.