The Society's mission was to raise money for programs that helped kids in Andover, and the group pledged year after year to do just that. An annual ball, a fashion show and the two-day ClownTown carnival, are a sampling of the fund-raising events that have withstood the test of time. They continue to be very well-attended and therefore, money-makers.

Moms liked Andona's kid-focus and still do, according the society's new president, who represents a new breed of leadership for the long-time volunteer group. The current president comes with an Esq. after her hyphenated last name as well as a husband and three young kids.

"There's actually a lot of working moms on the board," said Paula Colby-Clements, Esq., of Andover, who works full-time as dean of admissions at Massachusetts School of Law in Andover, and as a law professor who teaches two classes at the school. "That's how it is today."

Indeed it is, as the most recent Census data (2002) reports that 55 percent of mothers with infant children are working. Even more college-educated moms - 63 percent - are in the labor force, according to Census data.

Colby-Clements, whose children are 6, 4 and 2, didn't want to make a big deal of her hectic life. She works five days a week in addition to supervising the homefront, which includes husband Gregg Clements, and children, Jordan, 6 and a kindergartner; Emily, 4, who is in preschool; and son, Jack, 2, who goes to day-care.

"I don't really think I stand out," Colby-Clements said. "There are a lot of women like me. We've always been driven and hard-working and it's the same when you have kids.

"We work but we want to be involved with our communities and kids," said this native of Billerica who lived in Chelmsford before moving to Andover a few years ago.

Her predecessor was at home, while Denise Bordonaro is another former Andona president who did not work. She, too, is an attorney, although not currently practicing.

"I would definitely say the number of working women in Andona is rising from when I started. However, we don't track exact numbers. Currently, my guess is that over half of the active members work in some capacity (full or part-time)," said Bordonaro of Andover, who is married and has three sons.

"Hats off to Paula," said Lisa McDonald of Andover, another former Andona president. Married with four kids, she did not work when she served as president from 2000 to 2002.

"All of the Andona presidents I know of were stay-at-home moms. I agree that Paula represents a new breed and it's great. Having such professional women at the top is a benefit," McDonald said.

Colby-Clements described herself as a driven person who likes to get things done. And, her husband is very supportive of her Andona involvement. In fact, when the nominating committee said Colby-Clements was their choice for president, it was Gregg Clements who sealed the deal.

"When they (the nominating committee) told me, I told them I had to talk it over with my husband, first," Colby-Clements said. "Then, I would have my decision."

He was supportive, and as some Andona members say, the first full-time working mom was named president of the group.

It's a hectic life as Colby-Clements attends all Andona board meetings in addition to shuttling her brood to activities, running her home and working full-time. But, this new breed of fund-raising strategists are used to being busy, as they always have been, she said.

Bordonaro said Colby-Clements has been very active in Andona since joining in 2003. She has chaired the civics committee and took the necessary compliance courses to become a certified food handler at last year's ClownTown carnival, which is Andona's biggest fundraiser.

"We all want to give back," Colby-Clements said. "We all want that connection...we all know we can do this...hats off to all the members."