21st Annual Power of the Purse was a Success!

Fond du Lac, WI – The Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund hosted its 21st Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon on April 23, 2025, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, drawing a full-capacity crowd and raising more than $75,000 in support of women and girls throughout the Fond du Lac area. With the event theme Forward Progress: Women and Girls Leading the Way, the luncheon celebrated milestones, honored achievements, and inspired future impact.

The sold-out event brought together a diverse mix of past board members, founders, long-time supporters, and newcomers. The energy in the room was electric, reflecting the community’s deep commitment to advancing the mission of the Women’s Fund.

The silent auction alone raised over $14,000, and attendees met the challenge of a generous donation match from the Lacey Sadoff Foundation, which applied to all new and increased gifts. Donations continued to pour in following the luncheon, ultimately surpassing the event’s fundraising goal and demonstrating the power of collective generosity.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2025 Woman of Achievement Award to Holly Brenner of C.D. Smith Construction, who delivered an inspiring message about the importance of leading from wherever you are. In its second year, the Girl of Achievement Award was presented to Natalie Wood, a senior at Fond du Lac High School, recognized for her outstanding community service and leadership.

Raffle prizes added extra excitement to the day, with Mary Schulze of North Fond du Lac winning the grand prize. Additional raffle winners included Lauren Price of Ripon, Natalie Scharschmidt of Lomira, Carolina VandenMeerendonk of Madison, and Samantha Smith of Fond du Lac.

Throughout the event, the Women’s Fund spotlighted the transformative impact of two key initiatives:

• Girl-Powered Giving – A program engaging high school girls in the grantmaking process, helping them understand community needs and inspiring them to become the next generation of philanthropists and changemakers.
• Enduring HOPE Grant – A recurring grant designed to address emergency needs for women enrolled in local higher education or seeking refuge from domestic abuse.

“We are beyond grateful for the incredible support shown by this community,” said Jolene Schatzinger, Executive Director of the Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund. “This year’s Power of the Purse was not just a celebration of how far women and girls have come — it was a rallying call for what’s next. The momentum is strong, and now is the time to get involved. With your continued support, we’re ready to take bold steps forward in creating a future where every woman and girl in our region can thrive.”

The Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund extends its deepest thanks to the volunteers, individual donors, corporate sponsors, and both past and present board members whose generosity and dedication made the event a resounding success.

Special recognition goes to this year’s top sponsors and partners, whose investments fuel the Women’s Fund’s mission:

• Bold Changemaker and Keynote Presenting Partner: Society Insurance
• Other Bold Changemakers: Lacey Sadoff Foundation, Lakeland Care, Lakeland Care Plus, and SSM Health
• Pillar of Strength Partners: Grande Cheese Company and Fox Valley Savings Bank
• Illuminator Partners: C.D. Smith Construction, Summit Credit Union, and Taco Bell of the Fond du Lac area
• Uplifter Partners: Associated Bank, Alliance Laundry Systems, Aurora Health Care, Badger Liquor, Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes, Festival Foods, Froedtert ThedaCare Health, Horicon Bank, Integrity Insurance, Marine Credit Union, National Exchange Bank and Trust, and Vesta

Save the date for next year’s Power of the Purse Luncheon set for April 22, 2026.

To learn more about the Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund and its work to uplift women and girls, please visit www.fdlawomensfund.org.