Cece Sloan

In 2004 CeCe asked a few women in the NE about this organization “UNIFEM”, with an interest in getting involved locally in SoCal. It was suggested to her that she find Nancy* Griftner’s daughter, who was also in OC. That was the very beginning and genesis of what would become a 20 year friendship. We formed that UNIFEM SoCal Chapter (later re-named as UN Women) and through many years raised funds through lectures, silent auctions at luncheons or International Women’s Day, we joined events here or there with a table to draw members (thank you SOKA, Zonta, Women For), and had some dynamic and memorable ‘Wearable Art’ events, with artists contributing a % of their sales. It was a labor of love for many years. And there were CeCe events for LW and a few of us non-resident friends, opera, art, the Huntington. We celebrated birthdays and went to hear jazz, or gospel, or just visit on the patio. We went to Cuba together in 2015, a group visit, sponsored by Code Pink. There’s a laugh or two on that story, suffice it to say we didn’t quite realize how ‘left’ the organization was, until there was a televised ‘scuffle’ with Sen. McCain in some committee hearing, which was widely broadcast. We were not deterred! Finding her PPT presentation on Cuba reminded me of the many presentations we labored over in preparation for something she was presenting somewhere (often OLLIE); it seemed I was, for a while, the behind-the-scenes mar-com department. CeCe was like the creative and exciting Aunt, which I never had the benefit of having, so there’s no doubt I was at times eager to be adopted. In out last visit, just days before she passed, we talked about UNIFEM, the awareness we likely brought to issues, the many early supporters, and we came to acknowledge that her smile was indeed her trademark. She meant, and will continue to mean, a great deal to me. There’s no doubt she influenced my life as I reflect on our 20 year friendship and near 20 year age difference, I remain grateful and full of experiences and love that came from that friendship. As a final ‘Thank you’. I have tried to reach all those artists, members, and groups who crossed the whirlwind over those years….. I hope you were one of them. (*My mom, Nancy passed away in 2004, she had founded the UNIFEM chapter in Sarasota FL, which was among the first in the country along with a chapter in the Berkshires! There’s the loop that binds) I'm sharing what I believe to be one of her MOST favorite photos... 2011