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About Us
Women United was formed at the start of 2024, beginning from the ground up. As a local affinity group through United Way, we had the freedom to create our own focus and purpose. After connecting with other Women United groups for inspiration, we decided to host an open discussion with local women to identify the challenges they face most.
During our first public event in October 2024, four key themes emerged: Mentoring & Support, Social Media & Technology, Advocacy, and Family Stress. These conversations have helped shape our direction and purpose moving forward.
Women United is more than a group, it’s a movement of women empowering women, and we’re just getting started.
Our Focus
By comparing the conversations from our 2024 October event with the Community Health Needs Assessment from our local Health Department, we were able to identify a clear path forward. The committee unanimously chose "Access to Health" as our primary focus. Recognizing that access to both behavioral and medical care impacts nearly every aspect of an individual’s or family's life.
The Next Phase: What Are We Funding?
Programs like the Student Health Fund and Youth Mental Health Vouchers already align with Women United’s focus, allowing us to make an immediate and meaningful impact.
The Student Health Fund helps K–12 students who lack insurance or financial means to access essential dental, medical, and vision care. Students are identified through school nurses or counselors to ensure eligibility and need.
The Youth Mental Health Voucher Program supports families by connecting youth to mental health services when referred by school or community professionals. These vouchers assist students struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, or other challenges affecting their well-being and school success.
The Fundraiser:
After selecting our focus areas and programs to support, our next step was deciding what kind of fundraiser to host. With so many events already happening, we wanted something unique and geared toward the gals!
In March 2025, Columbus Area United Way staff attended a regional United Way conference and learned about a Women United group in Wayne and Holmes Counties that hosted a “Rhinestone Roundup” fundraiser. Inspired by their creativity, we brought the idea to our steering committee, and that is how Glam for Good was born.
Other Public Events:
Our group also wanted to continue the important conversations that began at our first event last October. Beyond fundraising, our goal is to create a space for women to connect, grow, and support one another. We plan to host more public events featuring speakers and workshops that highlight the key topics identified in those early discussions.
Glam for Good - October 2025 event results
Our first ever Glam for Good with Women United exceeded expectations! Women showed up dressed to impress, ready to compete, and filled the night with glam, laughter, and purpose. All for a great cause, raising approximately $7,500 for the night! Thank you to our sponsors, because of them all funds raised will get to go directly to Student Health and Youth Mental Health Vouchers.
Our winning tables, prizes sponsored by Home Financing Direct and Encompass Dental Studios:
1st: Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce
2nd: Highstreet Insurance
3rd The Elks
Raffle Winners:
-Facial/Massage & Shopping Spree (Columbus Community Hospital and Black Hills)
Kayla Kuta
-Skin Scan & Democosmetic Session (Cammy Otten, Mary Kay)
Sheri Dearson
-Dinner Night & Massage (Elks Lodge & Chelsy's Massage Therapy)
Deb Loseke
-2 Husker Volleyball tickets vs. Michigan State (Columbus Radio Stations)
Tammy Bichlmeier
Thank you to OneNebraska Federal Credit Union for sponsoring our meal/drink!
And an extra thank you to Columbus in Action, for always letting us host at your amazing event space!