WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
Beth Louis, member of the Spirit of St.
Louis Women’s Fund and board member
of the Niagara Foundation, left, and Ali
Durhan, executive director of the Niagara
Foundation, right, with Gwen Wesley, center,
as she accepts the Niagara Foundation
Award for Community Service on behalf of
the Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund.
“All music adds to life, and can be so
uplifting,” Gwen said. “Listening to all kinds
of music is my place of respite. And I love
performing, too.”
As a composer, she wrote the song “Speak
for a Child” while at CASA to remind people
that everyone can do something to help. She
donated the proceeds from sales to local and
national organizations that assisted
children who are victims of abuse.
Gwen recently made her first CD, “For My
Family” after family members said that she
never sang for them. Compiling 10 original
pieces and one arrangement, she decided to
show them how much she wanted her voice
and music to portray how she felt about them.
The CD is filled with Christian music that
covers all genres, including jazz; big band;
Latin flavor; light pop; classical and Gospel.
Now retired, Gwen doesn’t rest on her
laurels when it comes to community service.
One of the founding members of Spirit of St.
Louis Women’s Fund, Gwen currently serves
as president of the organization. The premise
is in the spirit of collective giving, where
each of 200 current members gives $1,200
per year (or $100 monthly), with monies to
be used toward grants that benefit a variety
of community agencies.
In 2007, the first grants were awarded,
consisting of $125,000 that went to nine
different agencies. Grants are given in
areas of health, the arts, education, social
services and the environment. In April, each
SOS member votes to determine which
organizations will receive grants.
“We have a stringent criteria, but
going through SOS’s process helps the
organizations apply for grants elsewhere,”
Gwen said.
Gwen is very committed to the mission
of SOS, as are all of the members. In her
role, she provides leadership, guidance and
support to each of the standing and ad hoc
committees, making sure no obstacles stand
in the way of progress.
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In October, Gwen accepted the Niagara
Foundation Award for Community Service on
behalf of the Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund.
She has been married to her husband,
Benjamin, for 36 years. The two met when
they both worked at McDonnell-Douglas.
Their daughter, son-in-law and two
granddaughters live in Dallas.
To purchase Gwen’s CD or sheet music, visit
www.chelmariamusic.com.
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY