Women Can/Women Do luncheon attendees may bid on a painting created during the event by Petoskey artist, Mary Bea McWatters. Pictured is one of McWatters’ works that reveals her deep love for painting the natural world.

Women Can/Women Do is an annual fundraising luncheon that supports Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) programs and services. This year’s event will take place at Bay Harbor Yacht Club-Lange Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 14.

The event features a lovely luncheon, more than 60 elaborately designed tables and a silent auction with a variety of diverse and interesting items. The silent auction is an important fundraising element of the event and features items such as a ride along for two in a City of Petoskey police car, a flower arranging class for eight with William Santos of Monarch Garden and Floral, a five course Italian or French dinner for eight, a dozen Tom’s Mom’s Cookies each month for a year and many other gift certificates, services and items.

“We’ve nearly outgrown our space for the silent auction at this event,” said Sarah Matye, WRCNM Fund Development/Grant Writer. “The Women Can/Women Do committee decided to move some of the auction items online to start the bidding earlier and provide a way for those who are unable to attend the event to still be involved.”

Online bidding on selected auction items will take place Monday, August 15, until midnight on Sunday, September 11, 2016. Items not sold during the online auction will be available at the silent auction held during the Women Can/Women Do luncheon fundraiser. Those interested in viewing and bidding on items may register at www.biddingowl.com/wrcnm.

Also new this year, artist Mary Bea McWatters will create a painting at the Women Can/Women Do luncheon which will be part of the silent auction for guests to bid on during the event. Mary Bea is a professional artist from Petoskey, Michigan. Her love for the outdoors along with a passion for creating unique and colorful paintings has guided her through twenty years of professional art experience.

The Women Can/Women Do fundraiser helps support the WRCNM’s 24-hour crisis line, domestic abuse and sexual assault program, Safe Home, counseling, educational and employment services and children’s educational programming. 

For more information about the online auction or fundraising luncheon, contact the WRCNM’s main office at (231) 347-0067 or visit wrcnm.org.