Quilt, afghan to fund group’s scholarships

Over the last three decades, the Progressive Women’s Association (PWA) of White Hall has raised $100,000 for its Ann Douthit Memorial Scholarship.

The group holds annual fundraisers with the money funding four $1,000 scholarships that are awarded to four female students. Each recipient receives $500 per semester for four years.

This fall, as part of fund-raising efforts, the group is asking for donations for two unique pieces, a quilt and afghan that are on display at the White Hall Museum, 9009 Dollarway Road.

“Either one would be a wonderful Christmas gift,” said Brenda Doucey, PWA newsletter publisher and a member.

Donations may be made at the White Hall Museum or from individual members. Donations are available up until the drawing that will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17, Doucey said.

Mary Ann Davis, PWA member, who was named PWA’s 2019-2020 Woman of the Year, made the traditional starburst king-size quilt that is one of the prizes.

“Unfortunately, Mary Ann is leaving White Hall to be closer to her children,” Doucey said.

The afghan is a multistitch, cream colored, hand-knitted afghan donated by PWA member Linda Hurd. She is currently the Ways & Means chair and a former vice-president and secretary.

BEHIND THE SCHOLARSHIP

The PWA’s mission is to bring together business women of diverse backgrounds, and to provide opportunities so they can help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education and networking.

It’s this philosophy that inspired the annual scholarship.

Ann Douthit, a charter member and now deceased, developed the group’s scholarship donor fund to further education and fund scholarships.

“When the group was trying to find ways to make more money so that they could support more scholarships for women, Ann came up with the idea of scholarship donors” from businesses and individuals, Doucey said.

Jan Adam said, “Ann Douthit was instrumental in starting this organization.”

Douthit served the PWA in a variety of roles including as chapter president and Woman of the Year.

About three years ago, PWA members voted to rename the scholarship, the Ann Douthit Memorial Scholarship, in her honor.

Currently, the professional organization has 23 members and is accepting new members.

Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the White Hall Museum.