A Tioga County, N.Y. non-profit, Sisters as Leaders (SaL), announces a special event, Desserts in the Garden, on Sunday, May 5 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Quality Inn and Suites located at 1100 Rte. 17C in Owego. Proceeds from the event will be used to assist single working women in Tioga County who need a helping hand with various expenses and other needs.
SaL, formed in September of 2017, received a 501(c)(3) non-profit status in March of 2018. The group’s mission is to provide financial, emotional and educational support to empower single working women in the county.
When Barton resident Sandy LaCombe retired after a 30-year career as a teacher in 2017, and 21 years of which were at Apalachin Elementary School (AES), she was inspired to give back to the community. LaCombe explained that when she met with parents for conferences, single working women opened up to her about their struggles to make ends meet.
Interestingly, the inspiration behind SaL came to LaCombe in a dream. Sandy shared that her sister, Sally, who passed away 12 years ago, encouraged her by way of the dream to develop the organization. LaCombe said she also took inspiration from an AES parent, Traci Gibson, who left behind the legacy – Traci’s Hope, a non-profit that assists people with daily expenses while they undergo breast cancer treatment. Sandy fondly remembers Gibson who passed away from the disease in 2006, and was her children’s teacher at AES.
Today, the SaL Board, which typically meets once a month, consists of LaCombe and other teacher-friends, as well as women working in the public service field.
Sandy said, “Within one year, we have helped nearly thirty single working women by giving them gas cards, gift cards, home heating assistance, and books for school,” just to name a few.
SaL is broadening their reach with their first major fundraiser, “Desserts in the Garden.” Additional efforts to share their mission have included selling blueberries at a Newark Valley event and participating at a Spencer community yard sale, among others. Recognizing, too, that single working women could benefit from “Car 101” basics, SaL recently coordinated a workshop at R & C Auto Repair in Owego. SaL continues to work on grant funding as well.
Last fall, SaL was recognized by Tioga Women Lead (TWL), a group of professional, local, women leaders, with the award, “You Rock.”
Marte Sauerbrey, Chair of the Tioga County Legislature and TWL member, remarked, “Tioga Women Lead wanted to recognize Sandy for her efforts in helping women, and especially single mothers. Her heart and passion goes out to that group of women in the form of much needed financial support, and emotional and educational help,” adding, “SaL fills the gap where there is a need, and TWL applauds them for moving forward to make it happen!”
On June 14 and 15, SaL will volunteer their time at the Strawberry Festival wine tent, an opportunity to share their mission with the community.
“Our goal is to help more single working women,” LaCombe stated, adding, “And many have children and work more than one job.”
One particular line item out of the scope of SaL’s abilities at this time, Sandy remarked, is, “It’s a frustrating issue, but so many single working women share with us that they need help with daycare.”
At the “Desserts in the Garden” event, guests can taste four different desserts for $5 while enjoying live music by Mallory Evans. Local vendors will be set up, and guests can purchase tickets for chances on raffles and gift baskets. Plants and flowers, just in time for Mother’s Day, will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Sisters as Leaders.
For additional information, you can find Sisters as Leaders on Facebook, or call Sandy LaCombe directly at (607) 565-7147.
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