A tribute to two of MCWEF's founders

In 1998, the Medina County Women's Endowment Fund was established to help fund programs supporting women and children in Medina County, and to assist women in their role as philanthropists.

Jane Lang, Gwen Rivers and Katie Horn were the initiators of this new fund. A steering committee was formed in 1998, followed by an advisory board. Within a year and a half, their goal of raising over $100,000 was achieved by asking 100 women to each contribute $1,000. The fund awarded its first grant in 2001.

It is with sadness that we note the passing of two of the founders, Jane Lang and Gwen Rivers. Gwen passed away on June 3, 2017. Jane passed away on Sept. 7, 2017.

Each was instrumental to MCWEF in her own way. In addition to actively working and volunteering in the Wadsworth community, Gwen was very involved in encouraging donors in Wadsworth as well as other parts of the county to contribute to the new fund.

Jane continued to serve MCWEF by participating as a member of the Council of Advisors, a leadership board created to provide guidance to current board members and the initiatives of MCWEF.

"Jane and Gwen were tireless advocates for the mission of MCWEF and brought to life their vision to fund programs supporting women and children," said co-founder Katie Horn Woodcock.

Nancy Pound, the first president of MCWEF, notes, "From our first grant of $4,000, MCWEF has succeeded in disbursing nearly $150,000 to 49 nonprofit organizations in Medina County to support worthy programs for women and children. Without the three founders taking on the task of forming MCWEF, Medina County would have a different philanthropic landscape. Small amounts of money, well-placed, have made a huge impact."

Gwen and Jane will be greatly missed.