By Lynn Retzlaff - DOTR eNeighborhood Editor

February is a month associated with love. It is a month of Valentine’s and chocolate, engagements and love letters. It is a time to share with our family and friends how much we really care. It is also a good month for stories with heart.

Lucky for you, I have one!

I sat down recently with Jeanne Schaffer and Kay MacGowan (co-owners of Building Blocks Learning Center) to learn more about a new project they are involved in. Jeanne spoke of their past desire to join with other women in business for the purpose of networking and business sharing. They talked with some of their professional friends and formed the group Women With Heart.

One of the group’s main goals was to figure out ways they could give back to the community.  During the summer of 2009, shortly after their formation, they decided on a project. They would throw birthday parties for at-risk children, an idea sparked by stories they had heard of similar programs in other states.

Their plan is to hold one birthday party a month for up to six at-risk children who will be accompanied by a custodial parent. Eligible children are chosen by their social workers and presented with the opportunity. Each party consists of entertainment, balloons, cupcakes, party hats and a gift for each child. The children will also receive a picture of their special day.

Building Blocks has a good relationship with Rock County Human Services. The county orders toys and educational products when a need arises and Building Blocks has donated various materials to the agency as well. It was a natural fit to expand their relationship by adding the birthday party outreach.

The paperwork has been filed, the hoops jumped through and the six plus months of planning have paid off. February, the month of love, will see the first birthday party for some very lucky children.

None of this would be possible without Women With Heart. Each member contributes time, money and their individual talent to the cause. Building Blocks had the space to offer and the women will take turns hosting the events.

February may be the first month to throw a party but the group already talks about the future. They are looking down the road at the possibility of being able to add another day of parties or perhaps to expand the program to include Walworth County due to some of the members businesses being located in Delavan.

This fine group of women was best described by Jeanne when she said, “Truly, I believe that all of us in the women’s group believe one of the advantages of being in business is to be able to give back to the community. The community helps support us so we can be successful and we (all) in turn give back to the community. These are optimistic women looking to make the community a better, more positive place.”

Bravo!!!

Members of Women With Heart are:
Jeanne Schaffer & Kay MacGowan – Building Blocks for Learning (Janesville)
Laura Jacobs-Welch -- Brick Street Market (Delavan)
Stephanie Natale -- Natale Photography (Janesville)
Debbie Zeppieri -- CouponsWork (Best of Janesville & Milton Coupon Books) email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Trish Edwards -- Sales Rep, Janesville Gazette