Women’s Initiative of the United Way of Greater Toledo 25th Anniversary Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOLEDO, Ohio — The Women’s Initiative, an affinity group of United Way of Greater Toledo, is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of philanthropy, advocacy, and community impact focused on improving the lives of women and children throughout the region.

Founded in 2001 by 100 visionary women who each committed $1,000. Women’s Initiative was created with a bold mission: to invest in programs and opportunities that empower women, strengthen families, and help children thrive.

Over the past 25 years, Women’s Initiative members have collectively raised more than $2 million in support of transformative programs and initiatives across Greater Toledo. Among its most notable accomplishments are:

• Developing WordShop, a creative writing program in partnership with the Toledo Museum of Art
• Bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Lucas County, helping thousands of children build home libraries and a love of reading
• Supporting the creation and implementation of social-emotional learning programs for local youth
• Raising more than $30,000 most recently to support the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center

To commemorate this milestone, Women’s Initiative will host its 25th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Maumee Bay Brewing Company Warehouse. The venue has been generously donated by founding member Pat Appold.

The celebration will honor the organization’s rich history, recognize the women whose leadership helped shape its success, and inspire continued engagement for the next 25 years of impact.

“We are grateful to the founding members who envisioned the power of women coming together to create lasting change,” said Jon Dorcley, Vice President of Marketing and Engagement . “Their commitment laid the foundation for a remarkable legacy that continues to strengthen our community today.”

Special recognition is extended to founding members Sara Jane DeHoff, Pat Appold, Kimberly Danes, and many other visionary women whose leadership and dedication made the Women’s Initiative possible.

Event Information

Women’s Initiative 25th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Maumee Bay Brewing Company Warehouse

Tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/women-s-initiative-25th-anniversary-celebration

Learn More About Women’s Initiative:
https://www.unitedwaytoledo.org/affinity-groups/

Media Contact

Jon Dorcely
United Way of Greater Toledo
jon.dorcely@unitedwaytoledo.org

About United Way of Greater Toledo

United Way of Greater Toledo unites the caring power of people to improve lives. By connecting a global network of resources to neighborhoods throughout Northwest Ohio, United Way proudly serves residents of Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties. Since 1918, United Way has worked to strengthen communities by advancing opportunities for all. As one of the region’s longest-serving charitable organizations, United Way is trusted, innovative, collaborative, and accountable. Most importantly, every contribution helps support local neighbors and create lasting change throughout the community.

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