Pair from the area attend the 122nd GFWC annual convention

     HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Two local women recently traveled to Hollywood, Fla. to attend the 122nd annual convention of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs known as GFWC. Six additional members of GFWC Maine also attended this event.

GFWC Maine President Anne Cress, left, and GFWC Maine Immediate Past President
Suzanne Raymond

    Suzanne Raymond of Dover-Foxcroft, a member of the Dover-Foxcroft GFWC Cosmopolitan Club and Immediate Past GFWC Maine State President, and Anne Cress of Sebec, GFWC Maine State President and member of the GFWC Miosac Club of Dover-Foxcroft, spent the week from June 27 through July 2 hearing from inspirational speakers such as Rory Kennedy, daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy.
    Kennedy spoke about her documentaries concerning the plight of women from Uganda afflicted with AIDS. She also spoke about her personal documentary project revolving around the remarkable life of her mother, Ethel Kennedy. Kennedy was three months pregnant with Rory, her youngest child, when her husband was assassinated. 
    Other notable speakers included Dr. Juan Jose Rivera, a board certified internist and cardiologist, who spoke about early prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Hank Phillippi Ryan, an award winning investigative reporter and author of five best-selling mystery novels, spoke about some of the new laws she is responsible for concerning people sent to prison, and the removal of homes in foreclosure. To her credit, she has received 28 Emmys and dozens of journalism honors. 
    Many other remarkable speakers were heard speaking on topics such as the U.N. Foundation’s “Shot at Life Campaign,”  “Operation Smile,” the “USO,” “Sew Much Comfort,” “Prevent Child Abuse America,”  ”Easter Seals,”  “Heifer International,” the “Kettering Foundation,” the “Alliance For Community Trees,” etc. All of these organizations have a partnership with GFWC. 
    Currently, Cress serves as a member of the Board of Directors on the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Washington, D.C, and on the GFWC New England Region Board of Directors as GFWC Maine State President. Raymond, serves as a member of the Board of Directors on the General Federation of Women’s Clubs as a committee member of the GFWC Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Committee and on the New England Region Board of Directors in the same position.  Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention became the Signature Project of GFWC in 2010. Since that time, GFWC has earned a reputation as a powerful force in the fight against domestic violence.