Womenade’s Cinco de Mayo event – save the date!
In June of 2022, this group of neighbors gathered for a Womenade event at Bell Mountain Ranch. Womenade has been meeting for the last 19 years to help out neighbors in need but also to foster friendships and camaraderie.
For 19 years, Womenade of Castle Rock has been organizing gatherings where neighbors bring a potluck dish and $25 to help out individuals or families with needs the group becomes aware of through friends. The giving circle gives a hand-up or a gift for a need that may otherwise not be met. Their name is a play on making lemonade out of life’s lemons.
The next Womenade event will be Thursday, May 4 with a Cinco de Mayo theme, and for this event, everything will be provided. Board member Mary Williams said, “There will be margaritas and tacos on us!” Visit womenadecastlerock.com for the event time and location.
As of January 2023, Womenade has helped approximately 100 neighbors and raised more than $130,000, just $25 at a time. Three times a year, the group gathers at the home of a volunteer host and, while tables are laden with potluck dishes and drinks are poured, the spirit of generosity comes alive.
Typically at each event, stories are shared about who has been helped or is going to be helped. Sometimes past recipients will attend to share their story and even provide a hand-up to the next recipient who needs it. Each story is unique, and a general description of each recipient is on the Womenade website.
The board reviews nominations for each neighbor-in-need and ensures that 100% of donations go to the families. A small amount is set aside after each event for a Hug Fund which helps with smaller, short-term needs as determined by the board.
Womenade welcomes everyone – from those who have been attending for years, to new neighbors who may have just moved to the area or anyone in between. Bring friends and neighbors and enjoy the chance to meet new people in a warm and friendly environment. “Beyond the money collected, there’s camaraderie and the opportunity to spend time with other like-minded people who want to help a neighbor,” Williams said.
Womenade is always looking for upcoming hosts and is trying to be creative with meeting locations, including restaurants and wineries to keep the events lively and fun. Williams expressed that they hope to see many new faces at the event on May 4.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Mary Williams
