Assistant City Manager Honored, Potluck Benefit and More: News Briefs for Oct. 6

The Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) has awarded its Cardinal Award to longtime economic development leader and City of Williamsburg Assistant Manager Michele Mixner DeWitt, the city announced. The Cardinal Award recognizes leadership in economic development, outstanding professional accomplishments and exceptional service to VEDA. As Assistant City Manager for the City of Williamsburg, DeWitt oversees strategic planning products and leads the City’s legislative effort, it said. Prior to assuming that position in July 2021, she spent 16 years as Williamsburg’s first Economic Development Director. The Cardinal Awards were presented at the VEDA Fall Conference in Lynchburg held Sept. 21-23.

Liz Moore Agents Host Potluck Event to Benefit Here for the Girls, Inc.

Liz Moore agents Karen Wolons and Jackie Mierle teamed up to raise money for Here for the Girls, Inc. at Liz Moore & Associates’ Potluck with a Purpose lunch July 28 at Billsburg Brewery in Williamsburg. Food and non-alcoholic drinks were provided for a monetary donation and over $2,000 was raised for Here for the Girls, Inc. in honor of Jackie’s fight. Jackie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 30 in 2021. While her oncologists and surgeons were able to tackle the physical aspects of treatment, most of their social and emotional support was geared toward women over 50. She found the support and services she needed from Here for the Girls and while she gears up to raise money to support the organization, she wants to take this opportunity to bring awareness to Breast Cancer under 50, under 40 and even *under 30* according to a press release. Liz Moore & Associates’ Potluck with a Purpose lunches are held monthly and are hosted by agents and staff. The host cooks and provides lunch for a cash donation to the cause of their choice.

Rotary Partners with ShoeLady.org

The James City County Rotary Club presented a grant to Bill Hoffman, Co-founder of ShoeLady.org, to provide shoes to needy children. ShoeLady matches donors of new shoes with specific donor opportunities identified by 26 pre-K and elementary schools in Hampton Roads, including the Peninsula, Williamsburg, Gloucester, and Isle of Wight County.  Schools identify the need to ShoeLady which then provides the shoes directly to the school staff for the needy child, according to an email from the James City County Rotary Club. Anyone interested in helping by donating new shoes or money for volunteers to purchase the shoes can fined details here.