Women Can/Women Do Emmet County volunteers gathered at a planning meeting for the fundraising luncheon which will be held at Bay Harbor Yacht Club-Lange Center on September 13. The event is a major fundraiser for the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. Pictured are (front from left): Mary Wieter-Hord, Julie Kuchnicki, Lindsey Young, Kaley Belcher, Cora Smith, Katie Potts, Cathy Meyer, Juliet Meyer, Robyn Rakoniewski, Maggie Kromm, Dianne Litzenburger, (back from left) Melinda Landreth, Julie Galante, Trina Hayes, Judy Feldkamp, Linda Zulski, Tricia Hand, Holly Brown, Kathy McCreight, Jodi Skrobak, Linda Hume, Julie Norcross, Lauri Hartmann, Gail Danielson, Marjaree Forbes, Darcie Sharapova, Donna Gross, and Jenni Attie.

In 2001, the first Women Can/Women Do luncheon raised $15,000 for Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan programs and services. The popular fundraiser has grown over the past 16 years and is now attended by more than 1,000 guests at luncheons held in four of the five counties served by the nonprofit. Women Can/Women Do volunteers involved in the Emmet County fundraiser are already busy planning for the upcoming luncheon to be held at Bay Harbor Yacht Club-Lange Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 13.

“These important fundraisers would not be possible without the help of dedicated committee members, table captains and table designers,” said WRCNM Executive Director, Gail Kloss. “Table designers help make the luncheon a feast for the eyes with their stunning table displays, while table captains fill seats at their tables by reaching out to friends, family and community members.” Kloss said dollars raised from Women Can/Women Do support WRCNM services such as domestic abuse, sexual assault, counseling and employment and educational services.

This year, Emmet County luncheon organizers expect 500 guests who will dine at 61 uniquely designed tables featuring abundant flowers, moving displays and edible centerpieces. A silent auction will give guests the opportunity to bid on a wide selection of donated items with some of the items available for early bidding online at www.biddingowl.com/wrcnm.

“Last year was the first time we offered early bidding through Bidding Owl,” said WRCNM Fund Developer, Sarah Matye. “It’s a great way for those unable to attend or those who want to bid early to help contribute important dollars to the fundraiser by bidding on unique offerings such as original art, travel and entertainment tickets.”

Women Can/Women Do Emmet County will feature table designs created by local businesses which, to date, include: A Touch of Spring and Other Things, A.R. Pontius Flower Shop, American Spoon Foods, Bay Harbor Yacht Club, BearCub Outfitters, Belle Aquatic, Between the Covers, Brown Motors Ford-Lincoln-Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram, Cindy’s Northern Crafts, Classic Cabinets and Interiors, Cottage Interiors, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Cutler’s, Designs by Dawn, Diane Morse and Lindsey Young, Drost Landscape Design and Construction, Encore Financial, Evening Star Joinery, Flowers From Sky’s the Limit, Gold Mine North, Gold Mine South, Harbor Brenn Insurance Agencies, Julie Gregory-Events by Julie Anne, Kilwin’s Chocolates of Petoskey, Little Traverse Tileworks, Mackinaw Trail Winery, McLean and Eakin Booksellers, Meyer Ace Home and Hardware, Michigan Vacation Destinations, Monarch Garden and Floral Design, North Central Michigan College, Northgoods, Odawa Casino Resort, Petoskey Cheese, Reusch Jewelers, Rocking Horse Toy Company, Somebody’s Gallery, Sturgeon River Pottery, Taylor Rental Center, The Spa at Boyne Mountain, Then and Now Antique and Consignment House, Three Pines Studio, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Too Crazy Cute, True North Interior Design and Antiques, Walloon Lake Winery, and Wineguys Restaurant Group.

Women Can/Women Do Emmet County will take place at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club-Lange Center 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 13. Although volunteer table captains are responsible for filling seats at a table, there are often a few seats available on a first-come/first serve basis. To reserve a seat or volunteer as a table designer or table captain, call the WRCNM main office at (231) 347-0067 or email [email protected].