Daytona Beach, FL – The founders of Daytona State College’s (DSC) Center for Women and Men, major patrons, and local activist Cherise Wintz, were honored at the annual Women’s History Month luncheon.
Over 10 years, Wintz raised thousands of dollars for Operation Changing Lives, a non-profit organization that provides facial reconstructive surgeries to underprivileged men, women and children in the Daytona Beach area. Wintz helped the organization expand its goals to include helping local special needs students get toys during the holidays.
“Today we honor a true trailblazer in Cherise Wintz for her dedication and service to others,” said DSC President, Tom LoBasso, at the luncheon on March 30. “When she sees a need, she steps up to make a difference.”
(Cherise Wintz image courtesy of Daytona State College)
Andrea and Larry Frank, DSC patrons, were also honored for their commitment to match donations to the DSC Foundation that supports the Center for Women and Men for up to $10,000. At the end of the day, donations from other sponsors totaled $1,300. “Andrea and Larry, we can’t thank you enough for your generosity and commitment to our mission,” said Erin LeDuc, director of the Center for Women and Men. “On behalf of the entire college community and, in particular, the students served by the Center for Women and Men, please accept our sincere thanks and gratitude.” “We have witnessed first-hand the work that is done here and the way the Center for Women and Men is now expanding its programs and services to reach out and help lift the lives of even more people, says Andrea Frank. “It is truly life-saving for so many, and we are delighted and honored to be a part of that effort.”
(Mr. & Mrs. Frank image courtesy of Daytona State College)
Other honorees include Ellen O’Shaughnessy and Deortha (Dot) Moore who created the then-called Women’s Center in 1976. They focused on helping women overcome difficulties that got in the way of their education and independence. Today, the center focuses on all individual’s rights to pursue an education, regardless of socioeconomic roadblocks. Today, the center’s programs include:
