Fargo Women Raise $18,664.50 for Day of Giving

FARGO – November 17, 19 community leaders donated $18,664.50 of cash and in-kind donations to local organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

These women were directed by the North Dakota Women’s Business Center’s (NDWBC) Women’s Leadership Program (WLP). Armed with $200 of seed money and limited to six weeks of execution, each participant was tasked to grow $100 in a philanthropic project of her choice. Once the project was assigned, they joined small teams, pooled their funds, discovered local needs, and developed plans.

Usually, the annual program raises funds in bake sales, raffles, and an exchange of goods in open-air fundraisers and has more contact with their communities. This year was different due to the coronavirus pandemic, so the groups adapted their strategies to raise funds and collect donations. WLP saw an increase in social media advertisements, online giving, gift cards, partnerships with local businesses, and efforts to social distance. 

Aside from the fundraising, the actual Day of Giving, the event where the fundraisers give the cash and donations to their charities, was different this year, too. Typically, Day of Giving involves visits to the local beneficiary where they are surprised with a large check. This year to maintain more controlled environment, groups met in a large ballroom for a socially distanced photo with the recipients, followed by staffers sanitizing the facilities before the next group entered.    

However, what stays the same each year is the desire to give back to the community, to lead by serving those close by, and the drive to make a positive impact in their communities. This year donations were made to Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder Education and Support Group, YWCA, Down Home, Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre, Kamp KACE, Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Moorhead and Fargo Police Department, the Ronald McDonald House, and Tech4kids.  

Program Director Christy Dauer explained the program.  

 The class had to be even more innovative this year to ask for and take donations while following ever-changing guidelines. Although it was a year of firsts for us all, the women set the bar, showing their ability to adapt and continue to reach the community.

The groups innovation was evident. Kayla Howard, Roxane Stutzman, and Alayna Stenerson teamed up to serve three local law enforcement agencies and even had Orange Theory sponsor gym memberships for each department. Another notable fundraising team made up of Kailey Boraas and Randilyn Dombek partnered up with the new Caribou cabin on opening day to give back $1 from each transaction to benefit Make a Wish. Emily Erickson and Stacey Belka’s group selected Kamp KACE, raising enough funds to send a family to camp. Nicole Langer Davidson and Mary Kuhn raised over $5000 for the new non-profit, Tech4 Kids.

Founder of Tech4Kids, Amy Longtin is a WLP Alumni.  

I am incredibly thankful for the NDWBC’s generous support of Tech4Kids, and Nicole and Mary's tremendous efforts in raising the money. They went above and beyond. I am so thankful they choose Tech4Kids as their nonprofit.

Dauer remarked about the class,

I am inspired and humbled by the monetary and in-kind donations and marketing activities this class achieved for nine different non-profits in a very short window. ...As a fierce lover of this community and knowing how much non-profits can use our time and talents, it made me proud to see this group jump at the opportunity to serve.

The Avalon Event Center partnered with NDWBC opening their space to the nonprofit for Day of Giving.

 Without their hospitality this day of giving would not have been possible. I am thankful for their support of our work. 

WLP challenges and inspires women from every level with their six-month program. Leaders build a network, learn what leadership options they have, and build the confidence it takes to pursue advancement. WLP ends with a graduation social on December 16.

NDWBC helps women who want to advance their business, career, and leadership skills. We understand that not knowing where to start can be overwhelming. We guide women to the next level with our free tools, events, and trainings. Women who partner with us leave prepared, confident, and have the steps to move forward. Visit www.ndwbc.com/womens-leadership-program to learn more.