Welcome to Aqua Girl 2008 - May 14 - 18

Something for everyone, held in a variety of locations on Miami Beach, this year’s Aqua Girl line-up includes a night of comedy with national comic, four unique evenings of dance parties; a women’s art exhibit, a dining event, a wet and wild pool party; a delectable women’s jazz brunch, first annual mega beach party, a girls rock concert and more. Having so much fun, never did so much good.

As the largest charity women’s weekends in the country, your participation in Aqua Girl contributes to a very good cause. In fact, 100% of the net proceeds from Aqua Girl weekend benefit the Aqua Foundation for Women (formerly known as the Women’s Community Fund). AFW is a not-for-profit-foundation whose primary mission is to promote the equality, strength, health, and visibility of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Monies raised during the Fund’s signature event, Aqua Girl® Week, as well as through individual and group donations go directly to educate, empower and foster the women’s communities.

How we educate, empower and foster the LBT Women’s Community
Identifying Our Community Needs
Each year, the Fund indentifies one annual community initiative. One of the fund’s main focuses is improving lesbian health and access to care through its Lesbian Health Outreach, Awareness and Sensitivity Initiative.

Offering Annual Grant Programs
In addition to our annual community initiative, the Fund offers grant opportunities to community-based organizations and project sponsors that address identified needs and interests.

New Scholarship and Mentoring Program

AFW Board members Veronica Olivera and Laura Steckler with 2007 Scholarship Recipients

Building tomorrows leaders today is a key role of this, first of its kind, South Florida scholarship. The AFW will provide scholarships to benefit high school, college or graduate students who are active in South Florida’s lesbian, bi-sexual & transgender community.

We will also join local business leaders with our scholarship recipients to mentor them in their career and community goals. This year the Aqua Foundation for Women had a variety of wonderful applicants for our AFW Family of Scholarships Program.
The scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are given to encourage
present and future leadership for the benefit of LBT communities. Each scholarship recipient is paired with a mentor for guidance and support as part of our new AFW Mentoring Program.

In addition to the Suzanne Gallagher Scholarship which began awarding in the 2007 cycle, the AFW has also been blessed by the generous establishment this year of the Anita Priest Memorial Scholarship. We deeply thank all those who have contributed to this promising endeavor.

Providing Community Service
The Foundation identifies opportunities for women to contribute to the community at large through organized group volunteer activities with community based agencies and programs. The Foundation creates a presence, responds to a need and participates positively toward the community s growth.

Fostering Philanthropy in the Women’s Community
The Foundation exists in large part due to various fundraising activities. By establishing a strong donor base, holding its annual signature fundraising event week, Aqua Girl, and by organizing other alternative social and cultural gatherings such as theatre nights, dinearounds, golf and sporting events, and brunches, the Fund not only grows, but becomes an integral part of the women s community.

Building Strategic Alliances
The Foundation recognizes the benefits of alliances and symbiotic relationships. By educating established women s funds, mainstream foundations and service organizations on LBT women’s needs, the Fund capitalizes on opportunities to leverage additional support for the Fund s initiatives, and introduces mainstream funders to our GLBT organizations and project sponsors.


Event Coordinators
Lynn M. Bové
Lynn@aquafoundation.org

Yesi Leon
Yesi@aquafoundation.org

2008 Host Committee
Alison Burgos, Founder
Alicia Becena
Jennifer Blunier
Cindy Brown
Merill Camel
Mickey Colon
Sigrid De Guzman
Kristie Escoto
Elina Fernandez
Michelle Gaber
Julie Garrity
Megyn Greiger
Marie Hevia
Vivian Lamadrid
Diona Libonati
Maria Pino
Ingrid Quallo
Tasha Shore
Crispy Soltera
Martha Sternberg