WGIRLS Milwaukee

WGIRLS MIlwaukee members volunteered this weekend with the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin at their SuperStars Creative Arts Camp in Wauwatosa 🎨

The camp is a multi-disciplinary arts camp for young people with autism and other disabilities, their siblings, friends and typically-developing individuals. Themed "Let’s All Go To The Zoo," volunteers participated in activities alongside campers like crafts, dancing, and other interactive experiences. Camps help campers with social skills, physical and emotional control, increasing self esteem, and developing an awareness and ability in one's own creative ability and self expression.

We had so much fun meeting new friends 💙 Learn more about volunteering with the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin at one of their upcoming SuperStars Saturdays: https://assew.org/superstars-camp/

WGIRLS Milwaukee got the opportunity to volunteer on at this year's Wisconsin State Fair! We sliced, boxed, and served up these iconic tasty treats for fairgoers, with Original Cream Puffs making a donation for our service to the WGIRLS Milwaukee organization 👩‍🍳 💪

Thank you to the Wisconsin Bakers Association - WBA for the opportunity to "FUNdraise" - your donation will support empowering underserved women and children in the Milwaukee area.

You're Invited 📣 Join us August 21st from 6-8PM at our August Monthly Member Meeting. Meet at North Avenue Market to enjoy drinks and snacks as we plan our upcoming volunteer, fundraising, and social events. Prospective members are welcome to attend to see what we're all about ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/share/tLKCYPwiTSkkGpzd/

Thanks to North Avenue Market for generously donating their meeting space to WGIRLS Milwaukee! North Avenue Market is a small, community-oriented, family-owned business that caters to foodies, travelers, and locals alike: https://www.northavemkt.com/

We had a blast volunteering at the Kinship Community Food Center Urban Farm this morning harvesting 350+ pounds of organic produce like zucchini, cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, and green beans 🫛 Volunteers also helped out with pest management, ensuring plants are protected from harmful bugs this season.

The fresh picked produce will be distributed this week at the Kinship Community Food Center to provide healthy, nourishing options for local community members. Thank you to the urban farm team for teaching us new skills and allowing us the opportunity to give back! Learn more about Kinship’s programs: https://www.kinshipmke.org 🌱

Reminder: Our picnic & potluck event is almost here! If you're reading this, you're invited. Join us:

📅 Date: July 21st
🕛 Time: 12-3PM
📍 Location: Veteran's Park (1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive)

Bring your favorite dish or beverage to share and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with us! This event is open to everyone - friends, family, and prospective members are all welcome. Come learn more about WGIRLS Milwaukee and meet our members.

🔗 Members: Sign up to bring a dish on Workplace to ensure we have a variety of options!

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/share/RpGDJCSytP6LMYLz/

Board Spotlight: Ebony Whitson 🌟

Meet WGIRLS Milwaukee Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair Ebony Whitson, owner and creative designer for Whitson Wonder Productions. With a passion for giving back, Ebony was originally a vendor for WGIRLS Milwaukee's Havana Nights gala in 2022. After a positive experience, she returned in 2024 as a volunteer co-chair for the Enchanted Forest Gala benefiting Fostering Community - and the rest is history!

Ebony hopes to focus on key initiatives like community partnerships, inclusive leadership, advocacy & awareness, and creating inclusive programs and events in her new role.

Outside of volunteering and running her own business, Ebony enjoys spending time with her husband, six children, and 1 grandchild, as well as any activities on bodies of water in the Midwest and beyond!

You're Invited 📣 Join us next week from 6-8PM at our July monthly member meeting. Meet at North Avenue Market to enjoy drinks and snacks as we plan our upcoming events for summer and beyond. Prospective members are welcome to attend to see what we're all about ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/share/JPtnxxHdxDu3KPfg/

Thanks to North Avenue Market for generously donating their meeting space to WGIRLS Milwaukee! North Avenue Market is a small, community-oriented, family-owned business that caters to foodies, travelers, and locals alike: https://www.northavemkt.com/

Happy Fourth of July weekend! ☀️ We've got three fun events planned for this month you won't want to miss:

July 17th | 6-8PM
Monthly Member Meeting at North Avenue Market
🍔 Connect with other current & prospective members + enjoy food & drink

July 21st | 12-4PM
July Social Event: Summer Potluck & Picnic
🧺 Open to all, join the WGIRLS Milwaukee network for a summer social event! We're still finalizing the park, so stay tuned for details

July 27th | 8:30AM-12PM
July Volunteer Opportunity at the Kinship Community Food Center Urban Farm
👩‍🌾 Volunteer at Kinship's urban farm that feeds the community with locally-grown organic produce. Sign-up is required - current members RSVP on Workplace, prospective members send us a message to grab a spot.

We can't wait to see you soon! 🙌

Are you passionate about empowering women and children in our community? Do you want to be part of group dedicated to making a positive impact? WGIRLS Milwaukee is looking for new members who are ready to give back, create change, and have fun while doing it!

✨ Why Join WGIRLS Milwaukee? ✨

🔹 Engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities
🔹 Network with like-minded individuals
🔹 Develop leadership skills
🔹 Make lifelong friendships
🔹 Support local initiatives and charities

Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to community service, there's a place for you at WGIRLS Milwaukee. Together, we can create brighter futures and stronger communities.

Become a member: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6UPzRlEhMAsPGcA123OSNn_g_SYv4zVKCfRV_RxybYJC2XQ/viewform

📢 Calling all leaders! 📢

WGIRLS Milwaukee is seeking an outstanding individual to join our Board of Directors as the Membership Chair! This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in our chapter's growth and impact in the community.

As a board member, you will:
-Direct the course of our chapter’s growth, local presence, committees, and activities
-Work with a motivated team passionate about nonprofit work
-Gain valuable professional development experience

Key Responsibilities:
-Manage membership retention and recruitment
-Develop recruitment strategies
-Host interest meetings and engage new members
-Participate in monthly board meetings and decision-making processes
-Contribute to chapter fundraising efforts
-Serve as a spokesperson and positive ambassador for WGIRLS Milwaukee

📅 Term: Immediate through December 2025
⏰ Commitment: 2-5 hours/week

Ready to make a difference? Apply online today!
🔗 Apply Now: https://forms.gle/Uq5haPPecFHjndqF6
🔗 More Info: https://app.luminpdf.com/viewer/65e14356d09ff982fb9f246a

Join us in making a positive impact in our community! 🌟

Thanks to everyone who came out last night ☀️ If you couldn’t make it, we’ve got lots in store coming up next month:

🗓️ July 17: Monthly Member Meeting
https://www.facebook.com/share/y1ksnYyKFuLSyejw/?mibextid=9l3rBW

🗓️ July 21: Summer Picnic & Potluck Social
https://www.facebook.com/share/JmNbfjhMtZ3QJvLc/?mibextid=9l3rBW

🗓️ July 27: Volunteering at Kinship Community Food Center’s Urban Farm
🔎 Limited spots - Members RSVP on Workplace. Prospective Members send a DM or email if you’d like to come!

Plus: Join our newsletter to stay in the loop on upcoming events, fundraising initiatives, and other chapter news: http://eepurl.com/hyoeXj

We had a blast this weekend at the .wi Family Day at the 🦁 WGIRLS Milwaukee members volunteered by helping with games and face painting for kids and their families 🎨

Variety, the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin, is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to one specific goal: enriching the lives of children with physical or developmental special needs and their families. Variety’s programs improve a child’s physical and emotional health and well-being; build confidence and self-esteem; strengthen resilience and create opportunities to build a brighter future for all children. Learn more ways you can support this important mission: https://www.varietywi.org

School may be out for summer, but hunger doesn't take a vacation ☀️ Many kids experiencing food insecurity rely on school lunches that often disappear over summer break. Supporting summer meal programs keeps local children fed and nourished year round.

Per the Hunger Task Force, Inc., only 10% of children receiving free meals during the school year receive a free summer meal, with program awareness a significant barrier. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program offers meals and snacks to kids of all ages, with sites across Milwaukee and beyond. Using the Summer Meals Site Finder, families can find locations and meal times that fit with their schedule.

You can support this initiative by:
1) Spreading the word + sharing this post
2) Providing financial support to participating nonprofits
3) Volunteering at your local meal site

Access the 2024 Summer Meals Site Finder: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a4da58ebe50342d184ec5d9c4676d1e1 =id%3AdataSource_4-0bad6c3da3e14cfe90f09f0fcb92177a%3A26450

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
Milwaukee Pride kicks off today & we are proud to recognize and uplift the LGBTQIA2S+ community in our city. WGIRLS Milwaukee is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion for all members. You are welcomed and celebrated here!

Learn more about community partners and resources available year round: https://couragemke.org/resources/

Reminder 📣 Instead of our typical monthly meeting at North Avenue Market, this month we'll be celebrating the completion of our annual spring gala + kicking off summer at the South Shore Terrace!

Prospective members are more than welcome to join us at this event to learn more about what being a WGIRLS Milwaukee member is like + meet current members. RSVP to let us know you're coming: https://www.facebook.com/share/ioMFNRfgNWMQ2LoW/

Tip: While the terrace has lots of picnic tables, it can be super busy - so consider bringing a lawn chair to guarantee a seat. Feel free to bring yard games - we'll see you there!

We are proud to share that our WGIRLS Enchanted Forest Gala raised $12,000 for Fostering Community! A huge thanks to our sponsors, attendees, donors, and volunteers for empowering Milwaukee-area families involved in adoption and foster care.

With thousands of children in the Wisconsin foster care system, a village is needed to create nurturing, positive environments for children to thrive. Thanks to your generosity, Fostering Community is able to use these funds to host community events and provide important goods and services to these families in need.

THANK YOU for helping us make this event a success, supporting a local organization making a difference in our community.

We're wrapping up tallying donations from the WGIRLS Milwaukee Enchanted Forest Gala benefiting Fostering Community - stay tuned for the announcement of the official donation amount. In the meantime, official gala photos are HERE!

Thank you to our photography sponsor Caroline Cavalcante LLC for capturing our special evening 📷✨

The Gala Silent Auction is LIVE! Check out the $1000s in unique silent auction packages on our website to plan your bid strategy in advance 👀 You do not need to be attending the gala to bid! https://paybee.io/@23

In addition to the silent auction, we'll have a variety of raffles on site with even more opportunities to win big + support our beneficiary Fostering Community 🙌

It's not too late to purchase tickets - buy online and join us 7-11PM at South Second: https://paybee.io/in-person-event/wgirls/2

Plus: Our official after party is tonight (11PM-close) at Fuel Cafe 5th St. - no ticket required! 15% of your drink purchase will donated to our beneficiary 🍸

Friday night’s after party just got tastier 🤤

We’re excited to welcome women-owned food truck Your in Luck Eats and Treats to Friday’s WGIRLS Milwaukee Enchanted Forest Gala After Party at Fuel Cafe! Join us 11PM-close for post-gala drinks with 15% of proceeds supporting our beneficiary Fostering Community. Known for their mouthwatering BBQ, Your in Luck Eats & Treats will have options to satisfy your late-night hunger 🤌

No ticket is required for the after party, anyone can come! If you want to attend the gala (trust us, you will 😏) grab your tickets ASAP: https://paybee.io/in-person-event/wgirls/2

Got plans this Friday? WGIRLS Milwaukee is hosting our annual spring gala from 7-11PM at South Second in Walker's Point. Themed Enchanted Forest, this year's event benefits local nonprofit Fostering Community, a 501(c)3 that encourages and empowers families involved in adoption and foster care by supporting them as a community through family events and community connection.

Why you should come ➡️ We have an evening jam-packed with music, entertainment, activities, raffles, photo booth, silent auction, wine pull + MORE. We're excited to host a party with a purpose!

How to buy tickets ➡️ Purchase tickets on our event website: https://paybee.io/in-person-event/wgirls/2

Where's the official after party? ➡️ Meet us at Fuel Cafe 5th St. 11PM-close for drinks with 15% of every purchase donated to Fostering Community! (no ticket required)

I can't come, how can I support? ➡️ Support virtually by donating to Fostering Community: https://paybee.io/@14

This year's theme for is "Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities." Per the United States Children's Bureau:

"Kinship care placements with relatives and close friends have increased from 14 percent in 2006 to 22% in 2021. Maintaining relationships with relatives and kin can increase stability, reduce trauma, and help children maintain cultural connections and a sense of belonging."

WGIRLS Milwaukee is proud to support organizations like Fostering Community who focus on supporting not only children involved in foster care, but the entire family and related network. By creating spaces to develop bonds and relationships between foster, adoptive, and biological families, children have a better chance at getting the resources and support they need to thrive.

Join us in supporting Fostering Community this month by purchasing a ticket to our gala this Friday, or by making a donation: https://paybee.io/in-person-event/wgirls/2

🌼 GALA TICKET FLASH SALE 🌼
To celebrate Mother's Day, receive 20% off a 2-ticket package to the WGIRLS Milwaukee Enchanted Forest Gala and gift the woman in your life with a night out raising funds for Milwaukee families involved in foster care and adoption!

Supporting Fostering Community, this event offers a party with a purpose: support a local organization making a difference, while having a fun evening in historic Walker's Point.

This flash sale is SATURDAY and SUNDAY ONLY! Grab 20% off while you can and meet us at South Second on May 17th: https://paybee.io/@22

Thank you to Ritual Floral for being a sponsor of WGIRLS Milwaukee Spring Gala: Enchanted Forest benefiting Fostering Community.

Ritual Floral is a local floral studio creating unique, carefully-curated fresh and dried arrangements inspired by tarot. Based in Bay View, Ritual Floral focuses on bringing the magic of Mother Nature to Milwaukee.

Interested in supporting the gala? Make a donation: https://paybee.io/@14

Hoping to attend? Our event is open to the public! Purchase your tickets online: https://paybee.io/in-person-event/wgirls/2

We are pleased to announce that special guest Luka Live will be at next week's WGIRLS Milwaukee Enchanted Forest Gala! Luka Live is a Milwaukee magician, mentalist, and deception artist, known for his 5-star Milwaukee dinner theatre shows. Prepare to witness mind-blowing, close-up magic.

In addition to Luka's spellbinding tricks, guests will enjoy other on-theme activities like Hands Of Henna by Anita tattoos, hammerschlagen, spirit tasting, and MORE ✨

Don't miss a truly magical evening for charity: https://paybee.io/in-person-event/wgirls/2