Category: Special Events

Over 500 attendees joined the Center’s 28th annual Women Helping Women event on May 15, 2026, raising over $230,000 to support vital mental health counseling, education, training and services for underinsured women, children and families in need.

This year’s luncheon offered guests an intimate and heartfelt conversation centered on grief, loss and healing. Guided by moderator and former KCCI journalist Mollie Cooney, Amy Putney Koenig shared personal experiences, thoughtful reflections and meaningful insights on navigating life’s most difficult seasons. Through their honest dialogue, attendees were encouraged to explore the many ways grief shapes our lives while discovering hope, resilience and healing through connection. The powerful discussion resonated deeply with guests and continues to inspire conversation and contemplation beyond the event itself.

Please watch the video of the entire program to experience the highly anticipated panel discussion.

We gathered over 500 people for an inspiring luncheon at the Meadows Events Center in Altoona, Iowa on May 15, 2026, as we celebrated 28 years of Women Helping Women—honoring those who inspire with kindness and lead with purpose. This year’s program featured our 2026 honoree, Suzanna de Baca, whose leadership and activism for mental health support in our communities has impacted countless lives. We also had a thoughtfully curated “fireside chat” that was guided by former KCCI journalist, Mollie Cooney. She and featured speaker Amy Putney Koenig, multidisciplinary artist and Death Doula, led us through a conversation that explored the many ways we experience loss—and how creativity, connection and compassion can help us heal and reimagine what comes next.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, table hosts and supporters, the event raised more than $230,000 to support the Center’s mission of providing critical mental health services to women, children and families across our community.

View 2026 Program

You can make a difference in the mental health of our women, children and families in Iowa!

We look forward to your continued support of our next Women Helping Women annual luncheon event!

Nearly 600 attendees joined the Center’s 27th annual Women Helping Women event on May 2, 2025, raising over $234,000 to support vital mental health counseling, education, training and services for underinsured women, children and families in need.

This year’s luncheon offered guests the first experience of a panelist discussion in the history of Women Helping Women. The panel went in depth on how social media can affect our mental health. Moderated by former broadcast journalist, Jackie Schmillen, the panel was guided to share real stories and provide expert opinions on this theme. With such a timely subject matter, the discussion has continued generating conversations since the event!

Please stay tuned to watch the video of the entire program to experience the highly anticipated panel discussion.

We gathered nearly 600 people for an inspiring luncheon at the Meadows Events Center in Altoona, Iowa on May 2, 2025, as we celebrated 27 years of Women Helping Women—honoring those who inspire with kindness and lead with purpose. This year’s program featured our 2025 honoree, Mary Gottschalk, whose leadership and determination have impacted countless lives, and a powerful panel discussion exploring the impact of social media on mental health. Moderated by Jackie Schmillen, the panel included insights from Dr. Heidi Bowden, Gabby Guerra, Hannah Koch and Rob Randazzo, who shared both professional expertise and personal reflections on navigating digital life while supporting mental wellness.

Their conversation shed light on how social media influences self-worth, connection and anxiety—especially among youth—and why cultivating healthy boundaries and community support is more important than ever.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, table hosts and supporters, the event raised more than $234,000 to support the Center’s mission of providing critical mental health services to women, children and families across our community.

View 2025 Program

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You can make a difference in the mental health of women, children and families!

We look forward to your continued support of our next Women Helping Women annual luncheon event!

More than 500 guests participated in the Center’s 25th annual Women Helping Women event on May 19, 2023, which raised $300,000. 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. 

More than 500 guests participated in the Center’s 24th annual Women Helping Women event 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 was our 2022 honoree and our inspiring keynote speaker was Jacquie Easley McGhee. Our 2022 planning committee co-chairs were Rachel Hardin and Laura Palmer.

Thank you to all our sponsors and donors for supporting the 24th Annual Women Helping Women luncheon on May 20, 2022! Your contribution ensures mental health services for women, children and families who are uninsured or underinsured. Through your generosity, the event raised $223,000!

More than 500 guests participated in the Center’s 24th annual Women Helping Women event 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 was our 2022 honoree and our inspiring keynote speaker was Jacquie Easley McGhee. Our 2022 planning committee co-chairs were Rachel Hardin and Laura Palmer.