Woodbury Women's Group Awards $15,000 to Three Local Nonprofits

Woodbury recently launched its first chapter of Power of 100 Women, a global initiative that connects women with local charitable causes. The group, also known as 100 Women Who Care, operates on a straightforward premise: 100 women contribute $100 each to support a single nonprofit. Mayor Anne Burt described the concept as one hour of time leading to one big impact. The Woodbury chapter held its inaugural event in October, marking the beginning of a new local effort to channel community resources to those in need.

The idea for the Woodbury chapter originated after Burt attended a similar event in Stillwater. There, she met Rachael Kozlowski, a board member of the Stillwater chapter and the wife of Mayor Ted Kozlowski. Kozlowski explained the efficiency and local reach of the model, which convinced Burt that Woodbury needed its own version. She partnered with longtime residents Kelly Lindstrom and Gab Yacovella to form a 16-member board. The group aims to hold two events per year, with the first taking place on October 26.

For the initial gathering, the organizers set a goal of recruiting 150 women rather than the standard 100. This allowed them to raise $15,000 instead of $10,000. The surplus funds were intended to provide $2,500 grants to the two runner-up organizations in addition to the $10,000 prize for the winner. The target was successfully met, ensuring that three local nonprofits received financial support during the first event.

The event format requires participating nonprofits to give a brief, creative presentation without the use of slides. Attendees then vote on paper ballots to determine the recipient of the largest grant. Burt noted that this process helps community members learn about local needs, potentially encouraging further philanthropy. Woodbury is described as a well-off community, and the organizers hope that increased awareness will foster a more supportive environment for local organizations.

Bridge to Basics, a hygiene bank headquartered in St. Paul and founded in 2024, was selected as the primary winner of the $10,000 grant. Co-founder Rana Khoury stated that the donation makes a tremendous difference for an organization that was entirely volunteer-run until October. The group partners with other nonprofits to distribute essential hygiene items to people experiencing hygiene insecurity across six of the seven metro counties. Khoury emphasized that hygiene is a basic necessity rather than a luxury, and the funding will allow the organization to purchase approximately 30,000 hygiene products.

Connect Center received one of the $2,500 grants. The organization serves as a resource hub for low-income families and unhoused youth in Washington County, providing long-term case management. Executive director Cindy Parsons expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present to the group of 150 women. She noted that all donated dollars go directly to clients, helping them cover expenses such as rent or car repairs. The other $2,500 grant went to SoWashCo CARES, a nonprofit that supports the South Washington County school district by meeting student needs and hosting community events.

SoWashCo CARES, which stands for South Washington County Community Action Reaching Every Student, was founded ten years ago. Founder Cheryl Jogger said the organization has invested over $1 million into schools and supported more than 10,000 students. Jogger highlighted that the group aims to send a message to children that they are part of a caring community. All three winning organizations noted that the event increased public awareness of their missions, which may lead to future support.

While the board and event attendees are women, men are welcome to donate and support the cause. Burt joked that men are free to start their own groups, but emphasized that this initiative focuses on women building networks and supporting one another. The event had no dress code, encouraging attendees to wear what made them feel comfortable. The next Power of 100 Women Greater Woodbury event is scheduled for April 2027, and local nonprofits are encouraged to apply for participation.

The Stillwater chapter, which inspired the Woodbury effort, has raised more than $135,000 for local nonprofits since 2023. Kozlowski said the model is unique because it is not a business networking event or a massive charity fundraiser, but rather a gathering of like-minded women who want to do good. She noted that for small local nonprofits, a $10,000 gift can make a massive difference in their ability to grow. Recent Stillwater recipients have included the Cimarron Community Farm and Bailey’s Bouquets, a group that delivers flowers to widows.