On behalf of the Turlock Branch of the American Association of University Women, I want to thank the many businesses in Turlock that contributed to our Wine Event Fundraiser. Thanks to your generous support, we were able to raise $6,000 for educational fellowships, scholarships for local high school students and Tech Trek, a summer camp for middle school girls to encourage their interest in math and science.

Despite the difficulties of maintaining a small business in the current economy, nearly all of the local businesses we approached were willing to help. It makes me proud to be a member of the Turlock community.

As you do your Christmas shopping, and year-round shopping, I hope you will support Turlock businesses as they so generously support our community.

— Mary Giventer, president Turlock Branch of AAUW