Sanilac Women Who Care will hold its 14th annual event on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Lexington Village Theatre. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the nonprofit meet-and-greet, and the presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.
The event gives women an opportunity to learn more about local nonprofit organizations and decide together where a grant should be awarded. Each attendee contributes $100 and receives one vote.
The goal for this year’s event is to sell 100 tickets at $100 each and award a $10,000 grant to a local nonprofit organization. More than $100,000 has already been awarded to local organizations through this collective-giving model.
During the evening, three attendees will be selected at random to speak or nominate someone to speak about why a nonprofit organization of their choice should receive the 2026 Sanilac Women Who Care Grant. After the presentations, attendees will vote by ballot to select the recipient.
“This group is led by women who care deeply about Sanilac County and are willing to step forward to help,” said Committee Chairperson Kelly Gerstenberger. “Everyone brings something different to the table, and that is what makes the group work. When women share their ideas, relationships, and leadership, we can accomplish much more together than any one of us could alone.”
Sanilac Women Who Care began in 2013 when a group of local women came together to support charitable work in the county.
The committee is also working to grow the permanent Sanilac Women Who Care Endowment Fund. The long-term goal is for distributions from the endowment to eventually pay the expenses associated with holding the annual event.
“We want to reach a point where the endowment covers the full cost of putting on the event each year,” said Jennifer Parker, committee member and treasurer of the Sanilac County Community Foundation. “That would allow every dollar contributed by attendees to go directly toward grants for local nonprofits forever. It will take time to build the fund, but it is an important goal for the future of Sanilac Women Who Care.”
Sponsors currently help cover event expenses so attendee contributions can be directed to nonprofit grant recipients. Sponsorships are available at three levels: Emerald for $250, Sapphire for $500, and Diamond for $1,000.
The 2026 committee is led by Chairperson Kelly Gerstenberger and includes Virginia “Ginny” McNabb, Jennifer Parker, Jessica Washe, and Tammy Williford.
Tickets are $100 and may be purchased online or paid for by check or at the door. Tickets will remain available through the start of the event, although advance registration is encouraged.
Checks should be made payable to the Sanilac County Community Foundation, with “Sanilac Women Who Care” written in the memo line, and mailed to:
Sanilac County Community Foundation
P.O. Box 307
Sandusky, MI 48471
To register or learn more, visit www.SanilacWomenWhoCare.org. Questions may be directed to SWWC@SanilacFoundation.org or (810) 648-3634.
About Sanilac Women Who Care
Sanilac Women Who Care was formed in 2013 by local women who wanted to support nonprofit organizations and encourage charitable giving in Sanilac County. Through its annual event and permanent endowment fund, the group raises awareness of local needs and provides grants to organizations serving the community.
About the Sanilac County Community Foundation
The Sanilac County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter. Through charitable funds, grants, scholarships, and community partnerships, the Community Foundation works to strengthen Sanilac County now and for future generations.
Sanilac Women Who Care is grateful to the businesses and community members already supporting the 2026 event. Their sponsorships help cover event expenses so attendee contributions can be directed to nonprofit grant recipients.
- Diamond Tier
- Community First Title Agency
- Eastern Michigan Bank
- Main Law, PLLC
- Thumb Bank & Trust
- Sapphire Tier
- Aspire Rural Health System
- McGovern Agency
- McKenzie Health System
- Ms. Nona Walker
- Tri-County Bank
- Emerald Tier
- SFK, PLLC
