2022 Women Helping Women event raises $223,000 for women, children and families who need access to mental health services

More than 500 guests participated in the Center’s 24^th annual Women Helping Women event on May 20, 2022, which raised $223,000. Funds will support mental health counseling, education, training and other services that impact women, children and families who are underinsured or from low income households. 

Sharon Goldford (second from left) was our 2022 honoree and our inspiring keynote speaker was Jacquie Easley McGhee (third from left). Our 2022 planning committee co-chairs were Rachel Hardin (far left) and Laura Palmer (far right).

Experience the inspiration from our 2022 Women Helping Women luncheon!

Honoree: Sharon Goldford

For decades Sharon has quietly and consistently cared for her community, driven by her innate spirit of generosity. Throughout her business career in religious organizations, human resources, finance and healthcare, she served on the boards of numerous organizations improving the lives of Iowans. Since retirement, she has continued her service by reading the Des Moines Register for the Iowa Radio Reading Service (IRIS), making deliveries for Meals on Wheels to senior citizens, and serving on both the IRIS and the Chrysalis Foundation boards of directors. Sharon is a longtime supporter of the Center as a past member of the board ofdirectors and as a WHW co-chair and committee member.

Speaker: Jacquie Easley McGhee

Jacquie is a Des Moines native whose impact in the community extends far and wide. Her volunteerism began as a student at Roosevelt High School and has evolved in the decades since to include engagement in nearly every area of local government. Her commitment to health equity is intrinsic. Today, Jacquie is the Division Director of Health Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for MercyOne Iowa. She is the Health Chair of the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP and the Vice Chair of Early Childhood Success for United Way of Central Iowa. Jacquie strives to live up to the investment the community made in her and return that investment back to her community.

2022 Co-Chairs: Rachel Hardin and Laura Palmer

The 30-member volunteer planning committee is led by a superstar team of co-chairs who each bring their own stamp of leadership and commitment to mental health access:

Co-Chair: Rachel Hardin
A transplant from Minnesota, Rachel has built a life in Des Moines and has grown to love this community. She serves as the Director of Physician Services for UnityPoint Health and is the President-Elect of the Junior League of Des Moines. Any moments not occupied by work are spent with her husband, Matt, and their poorly trained English Springer Spaniel, Millie.

Co-Chair: Laura Palmer
A lifelong Iowan who values the U.S. Postal Service and a thoughtfully handwritten note, Laura Palmer started XO-LP in 2009 producing whimsical illustrations made with markers and wit. Since 2014 Laura has been a full-time illustrator working with clients like Facebook, Better Homes and Gardens, Carrie Underwood and her 4-year-old nephew.

2022 Women Helping Women Planning Committee Stephanie Asklof Carol Bodensteiner Annie Brandt Melissa Cano-Zelaya Beth Coonan Stacy Earley-Jannenga Kathy Giles Rachel Hardin, co-chair Renee Hardman Connie Isaacson Kate Juelfs Anne Kelly Leigh O'Tool Laura Palmer, co-chair Stephanie Pearl Kelly Sparks Ann-Charlotte Wade Billie Wade Connie Wilson

2022 Women Helping Women Underwriting Cabinet Stephanie Asklof Pam Bass-Bookey Annie Brandt Beth Coonan Ann Flood Jann Freed Kathy Giles Sarah Hayes Starr Hinrichs Connie Isaacson Andrea James Kate Juelfs Anne Kelly Emily Kessinger Claudette McDonald Lynsey Oster Katie Patton Stephanie Pearl Shirley Poertner Mary M. Riche Anne Roth Katie Roth Kathy Stuart Susan Voss Marti Wade Sally Wallace

• Category: Donors & Support, Special Events, Women Helping Women