Features
- Join Us in Giving Hope & Help this Holiday: Year-End Giving Starts Today on Giving Tuesday
- United for the Holiday: 898 Turkeys with all the Fixings Distributed
- A Night of Joy, Generosity, and Impact: Women's Winterfest Welcomes a Record 520 Guests
- Winterfest Video
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News & Notes
- Emerging Leaders Announce 4
- Under 40 Award Recipients to be Honored
- 2025 Open Funding Cycle Launch: LOIs Now Being Accepted
- Two Exciting Raffles: Get 4x the Raffle Tickets Now
- Small Business United
- GET CONNECTED! Volunteer Opportunities
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Join Us in Giving Hope & Help this Holiday:
Year-End Giving Starts Today on Giving Tuesday
As the end of the year approaches, Giving Tuesday reminds us of the power of generosity, offering a chance to make a meaningful impact in our community and support those in need. It also reminds us of the resilience and courage of those we serve. This year has brought countless challenges, but with your unwavering support, we have been able to bring hope and stability to so many. Your compassion and generosity are the reason we can provide comfort and security to those facing their hardest moments.
Unfortunately, the need continues to grow. Grocery prices have increased a whopping 25 percent since 2020. Recent data shows a 5 percent increase in the number of Lake County households where families earn more than the federal poverty level, but not enough to meet their basic needs. The hourly wage needed to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Lake County is 51 percent higher than minimum wage in Ohio.
We remain committed to addressing the obstacles facing thousands of our neighbors. Will you join our mission of improving the quality of life for adults and children in Lake County by making a holiday gift? A gift you don't have to wrap.
Your year-end gift not only impacts lives but may also qualify you for a tax deduction.
Your gift could provide shelter for neighbors experiencing homelessness or families fleeing domestic violence, cans of formula for babies and toddlers, education and advocacy about mental health for teens, and meals, housing, guidance and support for children and adults who are struggling.
Each week thousands of dollars are spent on forgotten subscriptions and impulse buys. If you give up just one purchase each week and invest those dollars in the community, your small donation can make a life-changing impact. Consider the following:
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United for the Holiday
898 Turkeys with All the Fixings Distributed November 22nd
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A Night of Joy, Generosity, and Impact:
Women’s Winterfest & Holiday Food Tasting Welcomes a Record 520 Guests
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There’s something magical about the holidays—a time of giving, joy, and togetherness. On Thursday, November 21, 2024, that magic came to life as Women United hosted an unprecedented 520 guests at their annual Women’s Winterfest & Holiday Food Tasting Fundraiser presented by Vistra. Click the below video for a highlight reel! | |
We are grateful for everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening filled with great food, festive activities, and a shared purpose: to support women and children in Lake County.
The night began on a high note with a VIP cocktail reception where guests enjoyed the enchanting sounds of the Mentor Orchestra Association's Cardinal Quartet and were surprised by a special visit from Santa Claus himself, who stayed all evening to take pictures and spread cheer.
At the heart of Winterfest was the extraordinary food-tasting experience - a culinary showcase for a cause. Guests enjoyed mouthwatering selections from 26 local restaurants whom we are very grateful to for giving back to the community they serve.
A list of participating restaurants can be found on the below photo or you can click here to see a list with links to all on our Facebook page. We encourage you to patronize these hardworking businesses this holiday season.
In addition to our presenting sponsor Vistra, we are grateful to all of our sponsors for making the evening possible, a list of which can be found on the below photo!
If you missed this year’s Winterfest but want to support Women United’s mission, click here to learn more, or get involved by becoming a member! To make a gift, click here. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more compassionate Lake County.
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Emerging Leaders Announce 4 Under 40 Award Recipients to be Honored
Thursday, January 23, 2025 | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The Everly in Mentor
Click Here Now to Register
The winners of the Emerging Leaders sixth annual 4 Under 40 awards will be recognized on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm at The Everly in Mentor over heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
The award serves to honor Lake County’s best and brightest young professionals for their hard work and achievements in the areas of leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and professional accomplishment.
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This year’s honorees include:
- Kathryn Baden, CEO of Olympus Aerospace
- Rochelle Fowler, Process Specialist at The Lubrizol Corporation
- Kerry Jonke, Manager of Customer Experience at Laketran
- Francisco Veloz, President of Veloz Landscape & Nursery
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The event is open to the public with advance registration. Tickets are $55 per person, $45 for members of the Emerging Leaders and Women United, and $30 for those under 21 years of age.
Sponsorship opportunities and complete details can be found here.
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2025 Open Funding Cycle Launch: LOIs Now Being Accepted
We are now accepting letters of Intent (LOI) from nonprofit organizations to request funding for our 2025 application cycle covering the 2025-2026 program year. LOIs must be submitted by the closing date of January 5, 2025.
Nonprofits with programs currently funded by us do not need to submit an LOI, unless it is for a new program. All others with programs that align with our focus areas are invited to submit an LOI.
Nonprofit programs that align with our mission of measurably improving the quality of people’s lives in Lake County and specifically address one or more of the following impact areas are of interest to us:
Education: Programs that support academic success and lifelong learning, with a focus on early childhood education, literacy, and school readiness.
Financial Security: Initiatives that promote financial empowerment, stability, and independence, including workforce development, job training, and access to affordable housing.
Health: Projects that improve access to healthcare, mental health services, and wellness programs, contributing to the overall health and well-being of Lake County residents.
Basic Needs: Programs that address immediate and essential needs such as food security, shelter, and emergency assistance for individuals and families facing crises.
Last year we transitioned from a traditional closed funding model to an open approach.
Complete details including LOI guidelines and submission details can be found here. Questions? Contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or by calling 440.639.1203
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Two Exciting Raffles: Enter Now for a Chance to Win $10,000 Cash and/or a Lifetime of FREE Monthly Services from Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa (Mentor & Lyndhurst)!
Now through this Friday, December 6th, Get 4x the Raffle Tickets (4 Tickets for $10 instead of 1) During our Extended Black Friday Sale!
Our friends at Mentor Nissan and Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa (located in Mentor and Legacy Village in Lyndhurst) believe in our mission and have gifted us with these amazing raffle prizes! All proceeds will benefit Lake County's most vulnerable residents through our Community Impact Fund.
Enter to Win $10,000 Cash Compliments of Mentor Nissan!
AND/OR
Enter to Win One Free Service Per Month FOR LIFE Compliments of Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa!
One lucky winner will receive one free service per month for Life! Services include Hair Cuts & Styling, Formal Styling, Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Relaxation Massages, and Men's Cuts. The prize is non-transferable. You must be 18 years or older to purchase entries.
Complete contest rules are available at uwlc.org/salon.
Get your raffle entry tickets here now!
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Small Business United (SBU)
Join the Movement
Small business owners know that a strong, healthy community is good for business. These same owners also understand the importance of giving back and keeping local dollars local, which is where our Small Business United (SBU) membership comes in. All funds raised in Lake County from this membership, stay in Lake County, helping our local friends and neighbors in need. If you are a small business owner interested in a simple, budget-friendly way to give back, then this may be just the program for you!
Learn more about our SBU program now!
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GET CONNECTED!
Volunteer Opportunities at UWLC and Other Lake County Nonprofits
Our GET CONNECTED! initiative brings together individuals eager to make a positive impact with those looking for volunteers. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, we would love to include your listing in our online program. Simply send an email expressing your needs to volunteer@uwlc.org and we will get back to you!
If you are an individual looking to make a difference, we urge you to also send an email to volunteer@uwlc.org and we will respond with information on how you can select from a list of online opportunities that align with your interests and schedule!
Learn more about our GET CONNECTED! program here!
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