ANNUAL REPORT 2012 - WBFN

Annual DinnerWBFN’s Annual Dinner is a time for all members and their spouses/partners, as well asWBFN’s partners in the Bank, to come together, reflect upon the past year, acknowledgethe hard work of the volunteers and staff, honor the MMMF recipients, and thank ourWBG partners and supporters.This year’s Annual Dinner, attended by 106 people, took place on May 15 in the 12th floorGallery of the MC Building. The gallery was elegantly decorated by volunteers, and particularlySadeem Munirahmad Alkadi, who created wonderful centerpieces using single vaseswith tulips. Guests were delighted to take the vases home as a gift from our organization.A projected photo slideshow provided an attractive backdrop to the dinner. Carefully preparedby Gilda Dadush and Louise Shimizu, the photos showed WBFN volunteers “at work”on various programs and activities, giving volunteers the recognition they deserve for theircontinuous commitment while also showing what WBFN is all about.As an engaging Master of Ceremony, Johannes Tonn introduced the keynote speaker, CarolineD. Anstey, WBG Managing Director. Caroline underlined WBFN’s most impressiveachievements from the past year and, above all, recognized the important role played byWBFN in improving the welfare of WBG families.Annemarie Brink Olsen, outgoing WBFN President, then gave a speech wrapping up theyear’s events and thanking the volunteers for their collaboration.Further highlights included an introduction to the 19 MMMF recipients, as well as the presentationof the new WBFN Presidents and Executive Committee members.To create an enjoyable and relaxing environment, a family-style Moroccan dinner was servedand the night ended with a performance by Nirathi Rao Kalavapudi from the RhythmayaSchool of Dance. The sounds of Bollywood-style music spread through the gallery and manyguests tested their dance skills under Nirathi’s guidance.Office GatheringsOffice Gatherings are a new activity introduced at WBFN in FY12. They are socialgatherings that take place in the WBFN office, normally with some finger food and drinksprovided. They take place during work hours or after—whichever is most convenient forthe invitees. A Gathering may be held for all WBFN members or for specific groups ofmembers, for example all of the Parents and Tots groups. WBFN’s friends and partnersfrom within the Bank are also often invited, depending on the occasion.In July 2011, WBFN moved to a new, open, and spacious office in the J building. This newspace inspired WBFN to open the office for regular social gatherings for members, partnersand friends. Naturally, the first opportunity was to arrange a Move-In Party to welcome allnew as well as seasoned members to warm up the new WBFN base. Held in the evening, itwas a great success with more than 100 members and their families, and WBFN friends andpartners in attendance. It was a joy to see the diversity of members engaged in conversationwith one another and with WBFN friends and partners—a great networking opportunity.The next event came at the beginning of 2012 with a New Year’s Gathering, also a huge successwith nearly 100 attendees.This year’s finale was inspired by an email conversation with the coordinator of the VirginiaParents and Tots Group, Louise Touber. The result was a chance for all of the parents andyoungsters from the Virginia, Maryland, and DC Parents and Tots groups to come togetherin one location for a day of relaxed talk, food, play, and fun activities. Staff members and olderchildren were also invited, given the timing of the gathering during the summer vacation.The volunteers involved in organizing these three events had fun and found the gatheringsvery rewarding.It was an enjoyable evening and guests gave positive and encouraging feedback.52 53