WS Chronicle

By Bridget Elam

On Friday, Oct. 20, the ACEY Group of The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Graze restaurant in the Marriott Hotel in downtown Winston Salem.
Directed at helping girls and women throughout the Forsyth County community, the ACEY Group gathered in a quaint setting to celebrate the group’s success and its members.

ACEY is an acronym that represents the group’s goals: Achievement in the education of women and girls about the power of philanthropy; Commitment to connect with women and girls in the community; Encourage self-esteem and empowerment of women and girls; and Yield women and leaders and philanthropists.

Many of the members and their guests sung the praises of Dr. Betty Alexander, an ACEY founder and its present leader.  Yet, Alexander was quick to deflect the praise back to the group.
“I did not do this alone,” says Alexander, a retired Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) professor.  “A lot of our current projects were the ideas of other members of the group.  It definitely has been a group effort,” she continued.

In previous years’ celebration, the ACEY Group has had keynote speakers to address the audience for their anniversary celebrations.  This 10th year was different.  To tout the group’s achievements, they presented a documentary that chronicled the group’s humble beginnings from its inception until today.  Featuring many of the members, the documentary highlighted the numerous ways ACEY has supported girls and women in Forsyth  County over the years.

“We help with girls transitioning from foster care into adulthood and host many workshops to empower women and girls,” said Lisa Kay, a scholarship recipient-turned-member of the ACEY Group. In her opinion, it’s the “achievement” leg of the acronym that the group is most known for.  “We are here to help girls and women achieve and reach their God-given talent and careers.”

Members of the group invited guests as part of the celebration.  In attendance were female guests from local colleges and universities.

“It’s really powerful and inspiring to be here and see a group of women come together for the cause of helping other women,” said Charisma Haynes, a WSSU junior, who was the guest of Dr. Betty Alexander.

The group was founded on Nov. 17, 2007.  As the premiere extension of The Women’s Fund, ACEY has helped The Women’s Fund disburse funds in excess of $1.4 million over the last 10 years and gain an endowment that topples over $1 million.

“Ten years tells me that we have an excellent group of women in Winston-Salem who want to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Alexander.

Currently at 24 members strong, the ACEY Group is always looking for more women to help propel its mission into the community for the betterment of girls and women.

Membership in the ACEY Group provides opportunities to work with The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem. The group meets on each second Saturday of the month from noon to 2 p.m. at the GRAZE Restaurant in the Marriott Hotel, 425 North Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Inquiries about the ACEY Group can be made to Betty Alexander at email: drbaa@bellsouth.net.