February 15, 2023
S.H.E. Counts (Supporting Helping Empowering Women), Grinnell Mutual, and the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce are kicking off Women’s History Month with Women + Friends: Women’s History Month Night Out on Wednesday, March 1st 2023 from 4:30-7:00. The event is an opportunity for anyone to shop deals at Grinnell retailers, support S.H.E Counts initiatives, and end the evening with Happy Hour at Solera, with wine available for in-kind donations supporting the group’s Period Product Drive.
The evening will begin with shopping at various Grinnell retailers participating in the event, including Anna Kaytes, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Giggles & Bows, Lily Lou & Company, Loralei’s Giftshoppe, Othala, Spoiled Dogs Co., Suzi’s Boutique, and Witte’s Home Decorating. Beckman Gallery will offer 25% off gifts (framing excluded), Stepping Stones will offer free skin consultations from the Ambellish Salon along with a product raffle, and Total Choice will offer a discount on wall decor as well as 30% discount if a shopper donates period products to the S.H.E. Counts Period Product Drive. The Pioneer Bookshop and Two Sisters Tea & Apothecary will also offer specials.
Brielle Beck, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Grinnell Mutual, says, “We are excited to . . . bring our community together [and] shop local female-owned businesses . . . Grinnell Mutual’s workforce is over 50 percent women and we appreciate the work S.H.E. Counts does to provide education and scholarships to young women who may not have the same access as others. Grinnell Mutual is proud to be a part of this event.”
At these retailers and other locations throughout the evening, the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce will have information highlighting the influential achievements of women in Grinnell from the Grinnell Historical Museum.
Kendra Vincent, the Member Engagement Coordinator at the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, says, “We’re excited to be a part of an event that highlights so many wonderful aspects of Grinnell – from our diverse selection of small businesses, to our dedicated nonprofits and even being able to touch on Grinnell’s rich history – it’s such a great way to celebrate our community.”
After shopping, participants will come together at Solera for Happy Hour. Wine, donated by Solera’s owner Colleen Klainert, will be available for in-kind or monetary donations towards S.H.E. Counts’ Period Product Drive. Klainert says, “I’m happy to support women wherever they are in their lives.” Products to donate include tampons, pads, liners, unused menstrual cups in their original packaging, and small toiletry bags. Appetizers will also be provided.
“This event will help assist S.H.E Counts raise funds and products to support our Period Product Drive,” says Jane Penyich, S.H.E. Counts Volunteer and Grinnell Mutual representative. “S.H.E Counts provides necessary period products to: Grinnell High School, Grinnell Middle School, MICA, and the Drake Library. Most of those products are costly and not provided by any government assistance.”
For more information or questions about the event, please contact Jennifer Cogley at jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org.
S.H.E. Counts is a partner program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (CDAF), a family foundation which oversees the work of ten local partner programs and funds. Supporting the growth of Grinnell in various arenas through these programs, CDAF encourages the improvement of all Grinnellians’ quality of life.
For more information: Jennifer Cogley jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org or 641-236-5518, ext. 109
