Organizations that serve the Dixon community got a boost of support from the Dixon Women’s Improvement Club through the DWIC grants program. This year’s awards were received by (L-R) Chris Simpson, Linda Beyers, Susana Pérez-Olvera, Hillary Gutierrez, Cookie Powell, and Kelly Pigeon James. Far right is DWIC Grants Chair Teri Brown.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The 100-year-old Women’s Improvement Club is still helping Dixon get better through their Community Grants program that recently awarded seven local organizations more funds.

Dixon Committee Grants Chair, Teri Brown, announced that members of her committee, Jewel Fink, Rebecca Robinson, and Barbara Long were pleased with this year’s variety of winners. They were recognized and given checks at a special spring luncheon attended by about 70 members and guests. Each representative shared how the monies would be put to use.

Kelly Pidgeon James accepted $500 on behalf of Dixon Community Theater.

“In the 70s and 80s there was a strong theater presence, and Dixon Community Theater is working to bring that back to Dixon,” she said. “Money will be used to support upcoming productions.”

Dixon Family Services Executive Director Cookie Powell reported the $500 grant would go to support the growing needs of their food pantry at 155 North Second Street in downtown Dixon. “The mission is to improve the quality of life for all families and individuals in our diverse community. Our intervention and support services are strengthened by cooperation with the schools, churches, businesses and the community,” she reminded.

Maine Prairie High School was represented by Susana Pérez-Olvera who accepted a check for $700 which will be used to purchase gift cards which are used as attendance incentives, she said. She also encouraged DWIC members to visit the campus and see “what a wonderful school it is with great students.”

Scouts BSA Troop 1625, Hillary Gutierrez accepted $500 for her daughter, Isabella, who was in school but who had organized and created her Eagle Scout project: Emergency buckets/toilets for Tremont Elementary. Money will be used to help defray the cost of creating more kits for other Dixon schools.

Erica Hurtado of TEAM Dixon was not able to attend the meeting due to a family emergency but let Brown know how much the $500 grant money is appreciated and will be used to help pay for renting the Dixon pool for their end of summer swim program.

Tremont Elementary teacher Linda Beyers represented Tremont Elementary School 4th Grade Class who reported the $500 grant was used to help pay for their annual Sutter’s Fort field trip in Sacramento. The schools are chosen through a lottery, she explained, and when Tremont was selected, they discovered the cost of bussing the students would be $4,000.

School Director Chris Simpson at Valley of the Sacred Heart Academy accepted the $500 award which will be used for education materials. The Catholic School at St. Peter’s Parish in downtown Dixon offers TK through 12th grade and is one of 50 nationally and internationally recognized schools.

All recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude to the DWIC members and for their work at the annual DWIC annual fundraising dinner and auction at Bud’s each February.