GRAND RAPIDS, MN, MAY 8, 2025 – More than 160 women gathered on May 5 at the Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids for the inaugural event of 100+ Women Who Care – Itasca Area, a growing philanthropic movement with a mission to support local nonprofits through collective giving.
The concept, originally founded by Karen Dunigan in Jackson, Michigan in 2006, empowers women to make a significant impact in their communities by pooling donations and giving directly to nonprofits in need. Since its inception, the movement has expanded across North America, with over 700 chapters collectively contributing more than $1 million to local organizations.
Pastor Jim Crecelius of the United Methodist Church first introduced the idea to the community prior to the pandemic. Although early efforts lost momentum, the vision was reignited in the fall of 2024, when a Steering Committee was formed to bring the initiative to life. Committee members include Bonnie Drake, Tracy Hensley, Mary Ives, Carmen Jackson, Nancy Jacobson, April Jesperson, Tami Kottke, Mindy Nuhring, Jodi Piekarski, Lisa Randall, Danielle Schermerhorn, and Danielle Witherill.
“This group of women had never worked together before,” said Mindy Nuhring of the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, “but it’s incredible what a united purpose can accomplish.”
At the May 5 event, each attendee donated $100 or more and voted on one of three nominated nonprofits randomly drawn from a pool of submissions. Advocates for Family Peace, Itasca County Family YMCA, and Great Tails Animal Rescue were selected, and a non-employed representative from each organization gave a brief, three-minute presentation to share its mission and impact.
The evening concluded with Advocates for Family Peace receiving the highest number of votes. The organization, which provides safe shelter and supportive services for individuals impacted by intimate partner violence, was nominated by Joni Namyst and presented by Rachelle Miller, who shared, “It’s one of those hidden gems that does so much. Many of us may never have to walk through the doors, but for those who do, they’re so glad it exists.”
Donations collected during the event totaled $16,625, with additional contributions following the event bringing the final donation amount to $17,100. Upon receiving the news, Colleen Chapin, Executive Director of Advocates for Family Peace, said she received over ten calls that evening and was deeply moved by the outpouring of community support. “The work we do is so very important to our community, assisting women through some of the hardest times of their lives,” said Chapin. We do the work within the constraints of extreme confidentiality and protection of our survivors, and so, sometimes we feel isolated; knowing that the women in our community not only know about us but support our organization in such a way is very uplifting and heartwarming to our staff. The announcement of this award brought tears to my eyes, and I am so thankful to live in a place that cares about one another.”
Advocates for Family Peace will use the money to continue to directly aid women in their journey to escape domestic violence and intimate partner abuse, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Nuhring explained, “This award will support Advocates for Family Peace at a time when their funding is possibly changing, and the future is uncertain. These services are a lifeline for so many women, and we should all be proud that the 100+ Women Who Care group was able to help Advocates with their resources and ability to continue their work helping others.”
The next 100+ Women Who Care – Itasca Area event will take place on October 13, 2025, at the Timberlake Lodge. All women are welcome to attend. For more information or to get involved, join the Facebook group “100+ Women Who Care – Itasca Area.”
