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History/Purpose:
'Friends Make A Difference' is IWAT's slogan and aptly
summarizes the goal and value of this thriving international
organization for English-speaking women. The association has actually been in existence
since September, 1984 but has seen an explosion in growth
over the past several years as a growing number of foreign
women have made Taichung their home and as more local women
have started to participate. Current IWAT President Susan Curtis says
that she is very happy about the excellent turn-out to recent
monthly luncheon meetings and other events and foresees continued
growth.
Regular Events/Activities/Services:
IWAT is a beehive of activity with a monthly luncheon,
coffee morning, cooking classes, 'traveling chopsticks' restaurant
visits, monthly tours or work shops and other activities.
The biggest gathering is the luncheon, which takes
place on the first Wednesday of most months at The Landis
Hotel and includes a lunch, special speakers and other events.
The coffee morning is usually on the second Wednesday
and alternates between different members' homes, providing
a relaxing social time for women to get together and relax.
As its name indicates, 'traveling chopsticks' takes
participants on a culinary tour of Taichung's many restaurants.
Other special events include an annual December Christmas
Formal, a swanky social event which includes a dinner, dance
and other activities. There is also a spring charity auction
which raises hundreds of thousands of NT dollars (NT$430,000+
in 1999) for good causes, a Christmas charity bazaar, a special
fun Christmas gathering for children and a variety of parties
which take place throughout the year, from a Brazilian carnival
to a recent IWAT/AmCham German Oktoberfest food and beer event.
A good source of information about IWAT, its activities
and members is the monthly IWAT News newsletter, which is
distributed at meetings and a few restaurants such as Salt
& Pepper. COMPASS
Calendar and 'What's On' listings are also provide regular
IWAT information.
How To Participate:
IWAT has a NT$1,000 annual membership fee but also welcomes non-members,
who usually pay a slightly-higher a participation fee, to
its events.
CONTACT: Susan Curtis (president) 461-7458; Patti Garrido (1st vice president)
461-4642; Nancy Wittgow (hospitality) 461-4803; Lynn Baratta
(activities) 461-0450.
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