WGC Fall Gala: Celebrating Community and Connection

On October 14th, more than 70 women gathered at Jake’s Supper Club for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and community spirit at the Women’s Giving Circle Fall Gala. This annual event brought together members and guests to honor the year’s grant recipients and to share in the joy of collective giving that uplifts Dunn County.

This year, the Women’s Giving Circle proudly awarded grants to Arbor Place, Inc., The Bridge to Hope, Colfax Public Library, Dunn County Human Services Birth to 3 Program, Hoofbeat Therapeutic Healing Center, The Mabel Tainter Theater, Menomonie Police Department, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Stepping Stones of Dunn County, and the Wisconsin Foster Closet. Each organization embodies the Circle’s mission of empowering women to strengthen our community through meaningful philanthropy.

The evening also featured a thoughtful panel discussion on youth safety, moderated by Sue Traxler, WGC Education Chair and Assistant Chancellor for Learning & Technology and Chief Information Officer at UW–Stout. Panelists included Sandra Scott, Dean of Students at UW–Stout; Lee Vang and Angie Ruchti, Menomonie High School counselors; Mary Beth Lvoncek, community member; and Sandra Henning, SDMA Social Worker. Together, they explored practical ways families, schools, and organizations can foster safer, more supportive environments for young people.

The night was a beautiful reminder of the power of women coming together—sharing ideas, compassion, and resources to make a lasting difference in Dunn County.

The next Women’s Giving Circle event will be the Spring 2026 Membership Meeting, date to be determined.