Last year, Kyle Paxman canceled her wedding to a man who she discovered was having an
affair, and transformed her planned event into a gala to raise money for families in Vermont and around the
world at her “Women Make a Difference” event.
One year later, Ms. Paxman is going strong, and has decided to make the event an annual affair. She says, “I’m
doing this because I’ve seen what a difference this support makes for the charities. It’s not about me!” On
September 29, 80 women (and two men!) gathered at Burlington’s Ethan Allen Club to raise funds for the
children, women, and families who benefit from these programs. Donations, ticket sales, and a silent auction
raised over $8,000. Catering was by Dish Catering of Burlington.
Pictured here are members of the Vermont Children’s Aid Society contingent. Standing, from left, are Dorsey
Naylor, Director of Adoption, Dalene Washburn, District Supervisor, Steve Habif, Executive Director, Patty
Carbee, Board Member and Mother of Kyle Paxman, and Alice Siegriest, Senior Social Worker and Director of
Camp ForMe. Seated from left are Board Members Denise Nagelschmidt and Kasia Fodor, Director of
Community Relations Cheryl Herrick and Board Member Ruth Guild. Missing is Adoptive Mother Judith
Sutphen.
The Vermont Children’s Aid Society is a private not-for-profit organization with offices in Winooski and
Woodstock, Vermont. Our professional staff has been supporting and strengthening families since 1919 through
a variety of comprehensive programs including adoption services, child and family counseling, a children’s
summer camp, and services for families affected by a parent’s incarceration. VCAS provides services that
support and strengthen families, and promote safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children. VCAS is a
member of six United Way chapters in Vermont as well as a member of the Child Welfare League of America.
