Q&A: Children’s Philanthropy Co-Pres. & Human Rights Award Winner Christine Groves
This past week the Rye City Human Rights Commission announced four individuals – three youths and one adult – were the recipients of its annual human rights awards. Today meet 2022 Rye Youth Human Rights Award winner and Co-President, Children’s Philanthropy of the Woman’s Club of Rye Co-President Christine Groves.
Your Name: Christine Groves
Your Role: Co-President, Children’s Philanthropy of the Woman’s Club of Rye
The name the award: 2022 Rye Human Rights Award from the Rye City Human Rights Commission
MyRye.com: Describe yourself in one word.
Groves: Compassionate
Where do you live in Rye or Rye Neck?
Groves: Grace Church Street in Rye
Tell us about the activity that led to the award.
Groves: I have been involved with the Children’s Philanthropy of the Woman’s Club of Rye for 9 years, including 4 years as Treasurer and 4 years as Co-President.
The Children’s Philanthropy Section, established in 1941, is a group of women whose primary purpose is to work together to raise money to benefit the children of Rye. We support all children in Rye but we are also the only organization dedicated to helping families in need with students in Rye schools.
Most significantly, we have a “Families in Need” meal program and a “Holiday Angels” gift program that provides Rye families in need with Target gift cards and gifts for their younger children.
Like so many organizations in our community, we were greatly impacted in our ability to fundraise due to COVID and restrictions on gathering. I am most proud of being in a position to help our group endure so we could stay committed to helping families and children in need in Rye.
Why did you get started in this area–what or who prompted you to become involved.
Groves: Shortly after moving to Rye ten years ago, I joined the Children’s Philanthropy as a way to meet other women and serve the community. I was particularly inspired to help the children in need in Rye, whose families are our neighbors and friends. I learned that with the perception of Rye being a wealthy community these families can get overlooked but still need help.
How did you hear you won the award?
Groves: Rita Capek, the chairperson for the Rye City Human Rights Commission, called me. I felt honored but also humbled by the award as there are many dedicated women that contribute to the outreach of Children’s Philanthropy.
What’s next?
Groves: We are constantly looking for volunteers to strengthen the sense of community in the group and to help fundraise. Most of our fundraising goes to fulfilling the immediate needs of families every year in the form of food and gift cards. We need to continually fundraise in order to meet those needs.
Outside this work, what are three of your favorite things to do in and around Rye?
Groves:
- I am obsessed with playing tennis and I like to play as much as I can with friends and family. I am grateful that there are so many opportunities to play in and around Rye.
- I love having lunch or dinner with friends at Aurora. It is a welcoming place to spend time and have a delicious meal.
- Longford’s with my sons and husband on a summer night.
Thanks Christine!
