How the PVMOM Magic Happens

By Erin Sweeten

Lean in close, because I’m about to tell you the secret conspiracy behind everything you know and love about PVMOM. You’ve seen the fabulous Facebook posts. You’ve been to a glam Moms’ Night Out get together. You’ve scored amazing deals in the online auction, let your kids run wild at a family party, swapped stories at a playgroup, and learned a thing or two at a workshop. But have you ever wondered-- REALLY wondered-- how all these things happen?

​Is it magic?
Is it angelic visitation?
​Is it state lawmakers?
Is it a reality TV production crew?

Nope. It’s …. drumroll, please … other moms of multiples! Who volunteer! On the PVMOM board! I know you’re shocked. But it’s true. There are about 20 leaders who meet, plan budget, and execute so that the rest of us can have a good time. The roles and responsibilities shift from year to year to best fit the talents of the current board members, but the PVMOM Board is organized into four basic areas: social events, fundraising/budget, communications and membership, and philanthropy. These are overseen by the executive board. The two responsibilities that are the busiest are fundraising and social events. Do you want to meet some of the women who make the magic happen?

Beth Gevirtz, PVMOM President​

Beth has been on the board off for five years, beginning as a meeting planner. She has been President for one year. As President, she plans and leads meetings and supports other board members in staying on task. As an executive board member, she oversees the website/blog, the West Valley social chair, and philanthropy. She is the main contact for members with concerns, and sends out communications on behalf of the group. She establishes and maintains the vision of the organization and leads the charge in new efforts.

She says that the qualities needed to be a successful president are being “Accessible, relatable, confident, and willing to put in the time.” So what does Beth get out of serving on the board? “I really love making connections with the membership. I’ve always had a passion for giving back, so I love getting to give back to our moms of multiples community. I love getting to know our members on a personal level, and I enjoy working for a bigger vision."

Jenny Bruso, PVMOM Treasurer

​Jenny has been treasurer for three years. She reconciles our bank account balances and our investment account. She also, in collaboration with the rest of the board, creates and monitors the annual budget. She continually monitors the funds and communicates with other board members to keep the organization where it needs to be financially. As an executive board member, she oversees fundraising, especially the auction. “I’m on the board because I love the friendships I have made in the club, and I was looking for a way to get more involved and spend more time with these people I like spending time with. I have an accounting background, so being the treasurer was a natural fit.” For anyone stepping into the treasurer role, “You need to be comfortable in an Excel worksheet. You need to be willing to reach out for Fundraising and step in when the chair of that needs assistance.”

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Tera Williams, National Rep

Tera is our contact for the national organization to which our club pays dues. As an executive board member, she also oversees social events, which is broken up into three chairs: large family events, playdates, and Moms’ Night Out. She helps her team with planning events and reaching out to members to invite them there, though most events follow the same templates as previous years. “I’m on the board because I get a lot from the organization and it’s my opportunity to give back. I also enjoy the interaction with the moms. I like knowing what’s going on with things I’m involved in and being part of something bigger.” A person involved with planning social events should be “Creative, organized. Outgoing is good, but there are a lot of us who help out at  these events, so if you are not super outgoing but still want to be the one organizing and putting it all together, someone else can be the front man for you.”

​There are two more Executive Board members that I didn’t get a chance to interview: VP Meg Behrens and Secretary Lindsey Steele. They oversee membership, workshops, and New Mom Mingle. The next time you see any of our dedicated committee chairs and board members, be sure to thank her for her efforts! Though they make it seem like magic, they do a lot to make it happen.

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