Gratitude and Growth: AAFSW's Journey Forward
Dear AAFSW Members and Friends,
Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! We are deeply grateful for the incredible support and generosity of our members and donors, and the dedication of our community. Your contributions have made a significant impact in furthering our mission.
In 2024, we received generous donations in memory of Betty Swope and Tom Switzer, as well as from our 2024 Annual Book Fair (ABF), our Dec. 6th Gala Fundraiser, Giving Tuesday, Youth Scholarships, Awards, and general contributions. Each donation has played a vital role.
It was a pleasure and an honor to greet you at our events and programs throughout 2024 year at embassies, and the Harry S. Truman Building (HST). We also participated in partner events such as onboarding, retirement ceremonies, and support of our foreign-born members with the Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) and the Inter Agencies Round Table (IART).
We are especially grateful for the visibility and support that Secretary Blinken and Ms. Evan Ryan brought to this year's Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA) ceremony, as well as for the donations and words of support from Former Secretary Baker and Mrs. Baker and Former Secretary Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Their involvement has highlighted the importance of our work and the impact on our community globally.
Our Crisis Fund has been instrumental in supporting spouses in dire need of advice and financial support. Our virtual workshops and partner events have been valuable resources, and we have been actively involved in National Defense University (NDU)-related events, evacuation support, and the Art & Diplomacy event.
As we move forward into 2025, we remain committed to supporting the foreign service community and fostering connections through our events and initiatives. We look forward to seeing you this year and sharing more meaningful experiences together. Your generosity and involvement inspire us to continue making a positive impact in our foreign affairs community.
Best regards and best wishes for 2025,
Celine Ford
