BEMIDJI 鈥� The third 100+ Women Who Care Bemidji event set a new record not only for turnout, but also for raising the most funds to date.
With more than 100 women gathering at the event space on Thursday, a total of $16,500 was raised for a local nonprofit by the end of the evening.
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"After four nominated nonprofit agencies provided a brief description of the services they provide and how they would use the money, each woman in attendance went to the election booths to cast their vote," a release said. "The winner for the evening was the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area after a compelling pitch was made by Emily Fairchild."
Within the next few days, an additional $500 was added to the evening's funds, bringing the total to $17,000.
The Boys and Girls Club plans to use the funds to construct some much-needed bathrooms for the youth who attend the club. A shower area is planned as part of the project so that children who do not have adequate facilities in their homes may use it, the release said.
鈥淭here are so many people to thank,鈥� Mary Israelson, a planning committee member, said in the release. 鈥淲e had a great space at the 4th Street Lodge, wonderful beverage providers from Blue Oyster Restaurant, and some very decadent fudge provided by Darrell Bruns. We especially want to express thanks for the appetizers that were provided as a donation by the owners of Pho Bemidji, Kin Poke and KIN Asian Market. Owners Meow and Channy saw the posting on social media and wanted to help support the local nonprofits. Their generous contribution added such a nice touch to the evening.鈥�
The first 100+ Women Who Care event was held in April 2024 at the Keg N' Cork and raised $11,700 for Evergreen Youth and Family Services. The second event was held in November at the 4th Street Lodge, raising $14,500 for Village of Hope.
鈥淭here is such joy in the air the entire evening," committee member Sally Corser added. "It is a strong statement that the women of Bemidji are not only generous, but they also love the opportunity to network with and meet others. We expect this event will just continue to grow.鈥�
