”I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.” So wrote Abigail Adams from her home in Massachusetts on March 13, 1776 to her husband John who was in Philadelphia as a delegate to the Continental Congress, a congress that was debating a declaration of independence from King George.
Mr. Adams and his fellow delegates may not have listened to Mrs. Adams’ plea but, here in Rochester, Minnesota, we have listened.
Maude Finch
Throughout history, women have made a difference but have not always been remembered. In fact, in our own local history, Maude Finch, the first recording secretary of the Community Chest of Rochester, the ancestor of the United Way of Olmsted County, made a difference. The minutes record that on December 23, 1925, when the board of directors voted to pay her the sum of $20 for clerical services, Mrs. Finch immediately donated the entire sum back to the Community Chest fund. Thus, a first very generous donation through payroll deduction.
On June 15, the United Way of Olmsted County Women’s Leadership Council [WLC] honored Maude Finch and the three recipients of the first annual The Maude Finch Award. The award recognizes women for the work they do that helps advance the common good in the areas of education, income, health, or community basics.
Karel Weigel was recognized for a career of service and achievement throughout the community.
Throughout her years of community service, she has given her time and talents to advance the common good. For that service, we thank you and celebrate your accomplishments through this award.
Rochester Women magazine was recognized for the hope, inspiration, encouragement and fun the publication brings to countless women-and men-in our community.
Its work in recognizing women’s accomplishments as family members, business women, artists, workers, friends and all the other roles women take on inspires people throughout the community and advances the common good.
Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity - Women Build was recognized for their dedicated work in building homes for Olmsted County families, building the lives of those who dwell in the homes they build, and building community through their generous spirit and labors.Their work brings hope and stability to the families who are now home owners while it also brings hope and pride to our community.
WLC remembers the ladies.We think Abigail and Maude would be proud. And they would join with us as we say, “Thank you!”