Bridging the Gap: 2025 Campaign Kick-Off Event

On Tuesday, June 3rd, we held our 2025 Caring for Women Campaign at O’Neil’s in Spicer. It was a spectacular night celebrating our generous donors and the work that the Willmar Area Women’s Fund (WAWF) is doing. The 2025 campaign, “Bridging the Gap," raises funds to help non-profits with essential operating grants that meet urgent needs, support new ideas to bridge the gaps, and bolster organizations where trauma response is core to their operations.

The night started with a succulent presentation by Lora Miller of Stacy’s Nursery & Floral. We then heard from two 2024 grant recipients: Kent Bauman with the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office and Pastor Jon Dahl & Lynette Kleinschmidt with Bethel Lutheran Church and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. To wrap up the evening, we heard from Angie Hatlestad and Hallie Johnson, the Vice-Chair and Chair of the WAWF Board on the work our group has done over the past year (see the article "Strengthening Our Community, One Grant at a Time") and an invitation to join us in giving to this year’s campaign. 

Kent Bauman with the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office presented on the county-wide School Reunification Project, which was awarded a grant through the Willmar Area Women’s Fund. As part of the school reunification project, a video has been created to direct family members and emergency contacts through the proper protocol in the event of a school emergency.

Pastor Jon Dahl & Lynette Kleinschmidt provided updates on the Youth Resource Center located at Bethel Lutheran Church, which opened earlier this spring. The Youth Resource Center provides meals, shower & laundry facilities, case worker support, and other resources to youth in need. This was a project we highlighted at the 2024 Caring for Women Campaign event, so it was amazing to see the progress, and what the project has meant for the youth in our communities.

We invite you to join our 2025 Bridging the Gap Campaign. Our Steering Committee has matched the first $10,000 to support trauma response efforts to support local organizations that provide support and resources for women and children. These grants will help solidify programs with new partners, foster innovative solutions to fill service gaps, and strengthen organizations offering life-changing assistance. 

For more information and to donate, visit www.WillmarWomensFund.com. On behalf of the Willmar Area Women’s Fund Steering Committee, we are so grateful for your continued support and generosity.