G.R.O.W. Spring Gathering: A Night of Community, Connection, and Over $10,000 in Local Grants

On a beautiful spring evening at River Raisin National Battlefield Park, more than 100 women gathered for one of our favorite nights of the year—the G.R.O.W. Spring Gathering.

This annual celebration brings together members, friends, and supporters of G.R.O.W. (Giving Represents Our Women)—our women-led philanthropic initiative dedicated to uplifting local organizations that support women and children across Monroe County.

This year, we were thrilled to award over $10,000 in grants to three incredible community projects that are advancing education, inclusion, and empowerment:

• 🌿 $5,000 to River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation to enhance the Shared Lands exhibit with authentic representations of French-Canadian and Indigenous women and children from Monroe County’s early history.

• 🏈 $2,100 to the SMCC Touchdown Club for Monroe Victory Day, a one-day inclusive football and cheerleading experience for students with disabilities.

• 🌼 $3,000 to the Monroe County Intermediate School District for the creation of an accessible garden, giving adult students with disabilities hands-on learning in gardening, nutrition, entrepreneurship, and service.

We were also proud to spotlight past grantees—The JAYDE Project and MCOP’s Homeless Youth Program—whose 2024 projects have already begun to create real change.

Our evening featured a moving keynote from Lynda Nickelson, a local coach and changemaker whose words left the room inspired and energized. We welcomed several new G.R.O.W. members to the movement and celebrated Connie Carroll as our 2025 G.R.O.W. Philanthropist of the Year.

One of the night’s most powerful moments came when two local women’s employee groups stepped forward with generous gifts to the G.R.O.W. Endowment:

• The La-Z-Boy Women’s Employee Resource Group presented a $500 check

• DTE Energy matched the gift with another $500 contribution, made possible by their women volunteers, who supported the event

These contributions reflect exactly what G.R.O.W. is all about: collective generosity, shared leadership, and women lifting up women to shape a stronger, more connected Monroe County.

Since 2008, G.R.O.W. has awarded tens of thousands of dollars to local nonprofits through its endowment. Each member commits a one-time $1,500 gift (payable over 1–5 years), growing a sustainable fund that fuels meaningful impact year after year.

💚 If you’re looking for a way to give back, connect with inspiring women, and make a real difference—G.R.O.W. is for you.
Learn more or join us at: www.cfmonroe.org/GROW

Together, we are building something beautiful.