The City-County Council recognized the Recorder Women’s Auxiliary during its April 1 meeting.
The women-led community organization was honored with a special resolution, which was presented to the City-County Council by Councilor Keith L. Graves. The resolution proudly recognizes the Recorder Women’s Auxiliary for its “assistance with many needy families” as well as its “dedicated services to the communities in the city of Indianapolis.”
“It’s a pleasure to be here, and actually, I’m pretty humbled as I stand here and represent these women to think that we’ve come full circle,” said Recorder Women’s Auxiliary President Virginia Mason. “We started this organization in 1950, and it has evolved into a full-fledged got-it-going-on group, and we still are doing our thing.”
Co-founded by Dr. Louise Terry Batties and 19 other women in December 1950, the Recorder Women’s Auxiliary was created as a Christmas Cheer Fund to help families in need during the holidays, Graves said. Nearly 74 years later, the group remains at the heart of the Indianapolis community, supporting the city’s youth and college-bound students through fundraisers, scholarships, books, awards and food giveaways.
As a vital arm of the Recorder Charities, the media group’s 501c3, auxiliary members also volunteer their experience, expertise and leadership for many worthwhile causes throughout the year in addition to supporting The Indianapolis Recorder newspaper.
“Thanks so much everyone. As Miss Mason said, imagine 75 years in the community, 54 years of doing things. The Recorder has been here 129 years, so that speaks for itself,” said Indianapolis Recorder President and CEO Robert Shegog. “I appreciate everybody for signing off on this.”
Only 24 members of the council were in attendance for the April 1 meeting, as Councilor Michael-Paul Hart was excused for the evening. All 24 members in attendance voted in support of the resolution.
For more information about the Recorder Women’s Auxiliary, visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066495399189
Contact Arts & Culture writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
