The Circle of Women fundraiser luncheon is an inspirational opportunity to support life-changing programs in the community, empowering women and girls in profound ways.

Last year the luncheon sold out with over 1,300 people, 90% of them women, coming together to network, "shop" the silent auction for a fabulous new bag, and be inspired by the stories of the girls and women whose lives are changed by the YWCA every day.

Celebrate the power of women to create our own legacy through our philanthropic support and vision. As Susan B. Anthony remarked, "Woman must have a purse of her own." Through our collective passion we can create the future we want to see.

We are proud to report that 87% of the over $463,000 raised at the 2009 event directly supported YWCA programs in the Minneapolis community.

The YWCA of Minneapolis actively lives its mission of empowering women and girls, eliminating racism and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We are proud to be a positive impact in the lives of over 25,000 community members each year!

• 20,000+ health and fitness members use our three urban fitness centers in Downtown, Uptown, and Midtown Minneapolis. A welcoming, inclusive environment supports their efforts to be healthy and strong.
• 3,000+ youth, adults and families are awarded health and fitness scholarships to support their commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
• 1,700+ diverse individuals participate in public forums, community dialogues, workshops and trainings to take action to improve race relations in the community and Minnesota.
• 1,500+ urban girls and youth learn leadership skills, improve academic success and engage in their community.
• 900+ constituents are educated and mobilized to take action on local and national policy issues affecting their lives.
• 450+ children receive a high quality early childhood education preparing them for school.
• 300+ youth and their family members actively engage in culturally specific nutrition, fitness & wellness activities to take charge of their health.

About the Program

There is something powerful about coming together to listen to those whose voices aren't always heard - the participants of the life changing programs of the YWCA of Minneapolis. During the Circle of Women program, girls and women whose lives have been changed in small and profound ways share their stories with attendees.

Voices at Circle of Women 2009

Kiyanne, Girls & Youth participant in the Strong Fast Fit program:

"I've learned how to be strong no matter how hard times get . . . . I eat healthy foods and I'm more energetic. I'm not a couch potato anymore. I don't sit and watch TV as much as I used to. One day I would like to be a zoologist or veterinarian because I like animals. I feel a lot better about myself since joining Strong Fast Fit at the YWCA."

» Read more of Kiyanne's story

Roda, Girls and Youth participant in the Discovery Leadership program:

"During our group meetings we talked about issues. We worked on projects like creating a collage with the little kids at the YWCA, going on the radio to talk about how racism affects us, and taping a video on how racist jokes are hurtful. The Young Leaders Program inspired me to become a leader in my school community . . . . The group changed my life. I now think expansively about my future and see possibilities I never knew existed."

» Read more of Roda's story

Jenna, Children's Center parent:

"Evryn (her three year old daughter) is not only counting, but adding and subtracting as well. She doesn't just listen passively when I read to her, she corrects the grammar in her books. Today, we are safe, and with the help of the YWCA, both mother and daughter are growing and emerging in the most fabulous of ways. I can honestly say that, today, I am a woman, empowered."

» Read more of Jenna's story

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2009 Corporate Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Sustaining Sponsors

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Keystone Sponsors

Ameriprise Financial Briggs and Morgan, P.A. Faegre & Benson Ford & Harrison LLP HealthPartners HGA Architects and Engineers Lifetouch Portrait Studios Inc. Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King, &    Stageberg, P.A. M&I Bank The Mosaic Company Padilla Speer Beardsley Target Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Zel Skin & Laser Specialists