2019 Report to the Community

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS January 1-December 31, 2019

DEAR GIRL SCOUTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS,

These are challenging times; the outbreak of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic is the definition of an unplanned crisis. Though much remains uncertain, what has become abundantly clear is our eastern Missouri Girl Scouts do what they always do: make the world a better place. Whether they are sewing masks, donating to local food banks, or checking-in with neighbors, the area’s young change- makers are stepping up and facing the challenges with optimism and creativity. Our community needs to read, now, more than ever, the stories and accomplishments of our adult volunteers, program collaborators, school administrators, and, of course, our remarkable Girl Scouts. That’s why we are excited to share our Girl Scout Council’s 2019 edition of Report to the Community .

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Cynthia Heath, Board Chair Jessica Willingham, 1st Vice Chair

Jan Hess, 2nd Vice Chair Cyndy Donato, Secretary Donna Doerhoff, Treasurer MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Karla Bakersmith Lisa Bell-Reim

Within these pages, you will learn about the organization’s latest innovation, the Daisy Drop Box. Piloted this past summer, the program was explicitly created with our busy Girl Scout troop leaders in mind. You will also read Lauren Vanlandingham’s journey from Daisy to National Gold Award Girl Scout. She was one of 10 Girl Scouts nationwide recognized for her extraordinary leadership in August 2019—we are so proud of the work she has done within the eastern Missouri cancer community. Through Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s annual community service project, April Showers, one Ste. Genevieve troop was motivated to break their collection record. In 2019, Troop 2624 donated more than 2,600 personal care items to this crucial endeavor. Because of them, more people in the eastern Missouri region have access to essential hygiene products. We hope you enjoy this edition—it is with deep appreciation we thank you for investing in the big dreams, plans and goals of the region’s young leaders .

Sophia Boyd - Girl Board Member Dana Creswell - Girl Board Member

Laraine Davis Vicki Dawkins

Emma Espinoza Shertina Gillespie

Jade Halbert Dawn Kotva Julie Leverenz

Keith Marty Karen Miller Sonni Nolan Steven Pozaric Thuy Vi Quach-Braig Jeff Steiner Kit Sundararaman Susan Thomas

Bonnie Barczykowski CEO

Cynthia Heath Board Chair

3 2019 Report to the Community