The Story of SHARE, Inc.

It appeared to be an average afternoon in early 1953 when seven women met for lunch. Unbeknownst to the casual passerby, however, these women had an agenda and a mission: they had decided to passionately commit to raise money and help organize programs to better the lives of the developmentally disabled and the abused. What no one could have imagined, however, was how wildly successful that mission would eventually be.

By the end of the meal, SHARE had been formed and a groundwork of commitment and compassion had been laid for decades of fund raising to enhance the live of the developmentally disabled.

It is now 54 years and a hard earned $42 million later, there are now 97 SHARE ladies, dedicated to carrying on that early mission. This team of women is still as emotionally and financially committed as ever to helping the developmentally disabled and the abused, as well as supporting research, prevention, vocational training and independent living skills programs for the developmentally disabled.

Each member of SHARE brings a unique set of skills to the fund raising table. Some of the women are exceptional organizers, others have far reaching business backgrounds. Some are dynamic fund raisers, while others have substantial professional contacts, and many are professional entertainers. This vast range of talent is gathered, organized and then put to use on behalf of the nonprofit organizations that receive SHARE's assistance. Throughout the year, the Ladies of SHARE plan and stage the glittering Boomtown Party. Thanks to the success of Boomtown, SHARE has been able to assist many facilities each year, including The Exceptional Children's Foundation, The Center for the Partially Sighted, The Kayne Eras Center, Stuart House and many more. The many days of hard work are returned a thousand times over when the ladies of SHARE receive hugs and smiles from grateful parents and happy participants in the many programs SHARE supports.

With those memories always in mind, the member's of SHARE pledge to make known the needs of the developmentally disabled and abused, and enlist the aid of others who SHARE Happily and Reap Endlessly, year after year.