History of the Annual Friends Luncheon

The Annual Friends Luncheon was held annually for a core group of supporters, the Friends, of YWCA Princeton. The Friends provide unrestricted support to YWCA Princeton’s Annual Fund beginning at the $200 level.

The Friends Steering Committee helped to plan the Annual Friends Luncheon, which was traditionally held at Springdale Golf Club.

Jane Dennison serves as the Honorary Chair of the Friends Steering Committee.

If you would like to become a Friend, please consider a gift to our Annual Fund.

Honorary Chairs

Barbara Straut
Jane Dennison
Jill Jachera

Event Committee Chairs

Suzanne McCroskey
Margaret Harper

Event Hosts

MaryLou Spang
Nancy Henkel

Event Committee

Nancy Geiger
Nancy Henkel
Judy Klitgaard
Kathleen Nash
Barbara Purnell
Amy Rabner
Cynthia Shull
Sallye Zink

History of Pearl Bates Scholarship FUnd

Pearl Nelson Bates was a dedicated community leader, enthusiastic volunteer and a former Board Member of YWCA Princeton. When she died in 1963, her colleagues at Education Testing Service (ETS) honored her memory with a gift to the YWCA, which was to be used for help families access the youth programs. Sherman Bates, Pearl’s husband, recalled that, although she had no children of her own, “Pearl considered everybody to be her child.” That gift was the impetus for the Pearl Bates Scholarship Fund, formally launched in 1965, and today provides financial assistance to families in need.

Each year, YWCA Princeton has held an event to raise funds for Pearl Bates Scholarship Fund. In the past, Crafter’s Marketplace and Benefactors for Bates were held. Today, Friends for Bates continues the legacy of raising funds for Pearl Bates Scholarship Fund in honor of Pearl Bates.