Women In Networking remains active, continues to help others

By Maria Allard
C & G Staff Writer

ROSEVILLE — The members of Women In Networking can’t slow down.

They’re either sharing business tips, helping to raise funds for a good cause, or planning an event to empower women.

Bridget Goudelock founded WIN in 2005 with the purpose of helping businesswomen build relationships, skills and professional development through networking, mentoring and social interaction.  

Organization members have accomplished plenty since that time. The group discusses business over muffins and coffee the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Biggby Coffee, located at 26740 Gratiot Ave., just south of I-696. Networking begins at 8:45 a.m., and the meeting is from 9-10 a.m.

Potential members are always welcome, and each field of business is limited to one member. A massage therapist, language translator, life and small business coach, and a printer are among the professions currently in the group.

WIN members invite community members to their Family Fun Day fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 19 at Biggby. One dollar from every beverage sold at the coffee shop during that time will benefit Habitat for Humanity Women Build.

But that’s not all. During the event, a magician will entertain with tricks based on donations, and kids, save your loose change: Face painting and balloon animals will be available for the best price in town — 50 cents each. Proceeds will benefit Women Build. Biggby also will donate $1 from each beverage sold between 9 a.m. and noon every Wednesday in July for the organization.

“We heard they were struggling and thought this would help them,” Goudelock said.

Dana Freers, who owns the local Biggby with husband Patrick O’Dell, said $35 was raised during the first Wednesday of the fundraiser.

Deb McKinley of Women Build attended WIN’s July 9 meeting to give the business members a more vivid picture of the Women Build mission. Volunteers are currently building a home for a single mother and four children on Howard Street in Clinton Township.

“We teach you everything you need to know on-site to build a house,” McKinley said. “The purpose is to empower women.”

It costs Women Build $100,000 to build one house, and volunteers must raise the money on their own. Volunteers are always needed to work, and Women Build provides the tools. The builders work every Saturday.
Along with helping Women Build, WIN members are gearing up for their second annual WIN Big Women’s Expo, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Best Western Concorde Inn in Clinton Township. The event will feature a fashion show, guest speaker, Hawaiian hula dancer, give-a-ways, a cash bar and more.

Coupon books for $10 each also will be for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Rainbow Connection. Admission to the expo is $3 per person or four non-perishable food items.

For more information on Women In Networking, check out www.winofmacomb.com.

For more information on Women Build, check out www.womenbuild.macombhabitat.org. Another fundraiser to benefit Women Build will be held from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 7 at The Beach Grill, 24420 Jefferson in St. Clair Shores. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. The evening will feature performances by Barbara Payton, Jill Jack and Thornetta Davis.