FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS

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Party to Empower Fundraiser 

This fundraiser event was held on 5/31/2025 at the Drendle Auditorium (Salt Block), 243 3rd St NE, Hickory, NC 28601

"THE LOST VIRGINITY TOUR" by California playwright Cricket Daniel
(presented by Well Behaved Women Theatre Company & directed by Pamela Livingstone)

This witty and touching production followed four lifelong friends as they embark on a road trip down memory lane, sharing stories of their "first time" in a way that is both profound and laugh-out-loud funny.

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Women's Rhythm Circle

This free/fun workshop event was held on May 19,2025, and was facilitated by Sally Childs-Helton.  This workshop was a great way to offload some stress, learn some new skills, and build community through rhythm by exploring rhythm using hand percussion, small drums, and our bodies and voices.  No experience was necessary—instruments were provided—attendees just needed to bring a sense of adventure and playfulness. 

Check back often for future scheduled Rhyme Circle Workshops

 

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Free Computer Classes for Adults - HAS BEEN CANCELLED/POSTPONED

This was a free 6-week series of classes for computer basics presented by the Catawba County Library System

Check back often for reschedule date(s)

 

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Separation & Divorce Workshop was a free workshop presented by Carmen Pope Brown LLC on 4/2/2025

If you would like to be put on the wait list for the next workshop, please call 828-322-6333, or send an email to communitysupport@wrchickory.org.

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Women's History Month Celebration 

WRC’s and Ridgeview Library's Annual Women’s History Month Celebration was held on Thursday 3/13/2025 at the Ridgeview Public Library, 706 1st St SW, Hickory, NC 28602

This free special event celebrates the achievements and contributions of inspiring women in our area.  Each year, WRC and the Friends of the Ridgeview Library honors four incredible local women making a difference in our community!  It was an enjoyable evening of recognition, connection, and community to uplift and honor women shaping our future! 

 

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Seeing the Signs Workshop

This free Workshop on Healthy Relations & Domestic Violence was held at WRC on Wednesday, 3/12/2025 and was presented by a Catawba County Library's community navigator.

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Financial Literacy Workshop

This FREE workshop was held at WRC on Monday, 3/10/2025 and was led by a professional CPA.  Topics included:  Filing taxes, Spending habits, and Reaching your financial goals

Please call to register (828-322-6333) or send an email to communitysupport@wrchickory.org

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Inspiring Women's Luncheon

This free event was held at WRC on Tuesday, 2/25/2025

Our speaker was Carmen Pope Brown who is an accomplished attorney and passionate advocate for justice.  Carmen shared her powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and purpose—a testament to the strength and determination of women overcoming obstacles to achieve their dreams.

Born and raised in Hickory, NC, Carmen’s journey from a young single mother to a licensed attorney in North and South Carolina is nothing short of inspiring. With over a decade of experience as a paralegal before earning her law degree, she has dedicated her career to family law, criminal law, and advocacy for those in need. Her personal experiences with the legal system—both as a child and an adult—have shaped her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

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RESUME WORKSHOP

This free workshop was held at WRC on Monday, February 24, 2025
HOST:  Catawba County Library System

This is the first of the series of digital literacy classes being presented by Catawba County Library System.  This first series will be focusing on online resume building. 

**Laptops were provided or attendees could bring their own device.**

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GALENTINE'S DAY EVENT was held on February 13, 2025

This was a fun girl's night out benefitting Women's Resource Center!!!!

Thank you our awesome host "3 Little Birds Corks & More" located at 19 College Avenue, Newton, NC 28658

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GIVING TUESDAY - 12/03/2024

GNOME NEEDLE FELTING CLASS

This free workshop presented by Dacy from the Hickory Public Library was held on 12/16/2024

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INSPIRING WOMEN'S LUNCH

This free educational pelvic health discussion presented by Dr. Aakriti Agrawal was held on 11/11/2024

Dr. Aakriti Agrawal is a pelvic health physical therapist practicing locally in Hickory, NC. She also offers pelvic wellness coaching for out-of-state and out-of-country clients.  Dr. Aakriti earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Duke University and has received extensive training and certifications in pelvic floor therapy. She works with people of all genders helping them keep their pants dry from urinary/bowel leaking, overcome pain with intimacy, and help them have an empowered pregnancy/labor/postpartum experience.  Dr. Aakriti is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and empowered to take charge of their pelvic health.

 

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"Love, Loss, and What I Wore" Presented by Well Behaved Women Productions (From the creator of "Sleepless in Seattle" and "When Harry Met Sally!")

This fun filled evening and lovely dinner was held at Market on Main on October 5, 2024. 

Dinner was followed by a series of monologues and ensemble pieces that explore the nostalgic power of women's clothing and how it can service as a time capsule of a women's life.   

 

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4th Annual Art in the Park Fundraiser was held on Sat., 9/07/2024

• Admission was free to the general public
• Sidetrack Brewery beer tent & Food Trucks
• Silent auction of artwork donated by local artists
• 50 local talented artists will be showcasing and selling their artwork
• Activities for the kiddos

New to our annual event:  "The Janice & Ted Taylor Legacy of Art Juried Showcase"

We were also honored to have Dani Kerr providing live music! 

24-year-old Statesville native, Dani Kerr, knows that her voice is the most compelling aspect of her artistry. People often tell her they’re emotionally engaged by its earthy, raspy quality. Recently, Dani was recruited by the producers of ‘America’s Got Talent’ to perform on Season 18. That performance was exciting and a great way for many people to learn about her gift as a singer–songwriter, but it was only one brief milestone on her long and winding journey as a professional musician.

   

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Nourish your Mind:

The Connection Between Gut Health & Mental Health Presented by Fran Paradine

This  enlightening discussion and engaging session was held on July 9, 2024.  Fran explored the fascinating connection between gut health and mental health, and how the state of our gut can significantly impact our mental well-being, providing insights and practical tips for improving both.

Fran Paradine partners with those who are struggling to overcome the mental and emotional roadblocks that keep them from reaching their optimal health. After spending 17 years in the mental health field and 10 years as a small business owner, Fran knows how difficult it can be to create lasting changes. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who also holds a Certification in Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching, Fran understands the emotional aspects connected with the lifestyle choices we make every day. She has counseled hundreds of individuals, mentored many more, and has created a coaching program that addresses all aspects of health to help her clients make sustainable healthy lifestyle changes that are in line with their individual goals.

Fran understands that any change that is to be sustained over time needs to address all areas of our lives. Creating a healthy lifestyle means ensuring that all elements of our lives are in sync with our health goals and are working together to move us toward those goals. Lifestyle changes require a commitment to exploring all aspects of our health and

Fran’s programs are designed to do just that. She believes in the power of compassion and community and knows that true change can only take place within a trusting relationship

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Advanced  Care Directives Workshop

This is an incredibly valuable workshop discussed the importance of making decisions early so your voice is the one being heard, even if you cannot speak for your self.

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LGBTQUIA+ Workshop

This workshop discussed terminology regularly used in the community, statistics, how to be an ally and more!

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Divorce Workshop was a free workshop presented by Carmen Pope Brown LLC on 14/24/2024

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LGBTQIA+ Free Workshop that had been scheduled for 4/17/2024 was postponed with a reschedule date TBD.

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18th Annual Charity Chase

Rotary Club of Catawba Valley held their 18th annual Charity Chase Half Marathon & 5K  on Saturday, 4/13/2024.  The event started and ended at Union Square in downtown Hickory.

Charity Chase is a non-profit whose goal is to support local organizations and other non-profits who work to make our community a better place. Proceeds from the race are divided among participating organizations based on the number of volunteers they bring to cheer on the runners on race day.  WRC's "cheerleader theme" this year was Fairies! 

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Free Job Skills Workshop was held at Women's Resource Center at 5 pm on 4/11/2024 

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"EASY MEALS UNDER $10" was a free workshop held on March 13, 2024

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GALENTINE'S DAY EVENT was held on February 12, 2024

This was a fun girl's night out benefitting Women's Resource Center!!!!

Thank you our awesome host "3 Little Birds Corks & More" located at 19 College Avenue, Newton, NC 28658

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WRC's EmpowerHer fundraising campaign to raise $30,000 by the end of 2023

WRC's Women's Empowerment campaign supports women through the Women's Empowerment Fund by providing crucial resources and opportunities.  

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Divorce Workshop was a free workshop presented by Carmen Pope Brown LLC on 12/12/2023

Check back often for future scheduled dates

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Holiday Needle Felting Workshop which was to be held on 12/5/2023 was temporarily postponed by the facilitator.  Check back often for a reschedule date, or contact our office to request that we let you know when the new date is available. 

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#GivingTuesday was on 11/28/2023

On this day the world unites to give back to the charities and nonprofits that work tirelessly to strengthen their community. There are many ways you can give back: through acts of kindness, time, talent, or treasure.  We hope that you will always remember WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER <3

 

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This free LGBTQIA+ Workshop was held on Nov. 7, 2023 and was facilitated by WRC's very own Director of Programs, Abby Selig, Masters in Professional Counseling

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MONEY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP by Operation Hope was held on Tues, October 3, 2023

This was a free workshop hosted by WRC. 

Since its inception in 1992, Operation HOPE has empowered millions of adults and children through financial literacy, influenced the creation of pivotal legislation to enhance financial equity, provided knowledge and coaching to thousands of new business owners, assisted tens of thousands to become new homeowners, and guided victims of natural disasters toward financial recovery

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INSPRING WOMEN'S LUNCHEON was held on Tues, June 6, 2023

This was a free luncheon hosted by WRC.  Gaye Bridges shared her challenging life story of substance abuse and many traumatic events she struggled to overcome during her long journey towards recovery.   She persevered through them all, not willing ever to give up.  Gaye currently lives in Morganton, NC, working as the House Manager/Mom for the “Vessels of Mercy” Ministry. In that capacity, she is now supporting other ladies afflicted with substance abuse issues through their journey to overcome the trauma of their circumstances through Christianity.

~Gaye said~ "WRC’s advocacy and encouragement got me where I am today and without their support I don’t know where I would be."

 

 

 

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3rd Annual "Art in the Park" Fundraiser Event was held on 4/29/2023

A great big Thank You to our Art in the Park Sponsors!!!

Check back for event photos to be uploaded!

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Charity Chase was held at the Geitner-Rotary Park of Hickory on Sat. 04/22/2023

WRC's awesome Charity Chase Cheering Team's gave colorful support to the runners with an Aloha themed Tiki (water) bar!!

Charity Chase Half Marathon is a non-profit whose goal is to support local organizations and other nonprofits who work to make our community a better place. Proceeds from the race are divided among participating organizations based on the number of volunteers they bring to cheer on the runners on race day.

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EMPOWERED POSTPARTUM PLANNING was held at Women's Resource Center on Tue 4/11/2023
"A postpartum planning workshop for those expecting"

This free event was led by Sarah Herbein of Small Things, Great Love Birth Services.  She talks about available options to self-empower and make the best decision for the family - complete with examples of cloth diapers, bottles, baby carriers & more!

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HIV Health & Wellness Workshop & Raffle hosted by ALFA & WRC was held on March 21, 2023 at WRC

This was a free event 

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Women's History Month Celebration was held on March 9, 2023 at the Ridgeview Library in Hickory, NC

This was a free event and light refreshments were served.

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SELF DEFENSE CLASS FOR WOMEN was held at the Women's Resource Center on Sat., 2/25/2023

This free event was hosted by Diane Christensen

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EMPOWERED POSTPARTUM PLANNING was held at Women's Resource Center on Sat 2/18/2023
"A postpartum planning workshop for those expecting"

This free event was led by Sarah Herbein of Small Things, Great Love Birth Services.  She talks about available options to self-empower and make the best decision for the family (complete with examples of cloth diapers, bottles, baby carriers & more!).

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GALENTINE'S DAY EVENT was held on February 13, 2023

This was a fun girl's night out benefitting Women's Resource Center!!!!

Thank you our awesome host "3 Little Birds Corks & More" located at 19 College Avenue, Newton, NC 28658

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GIVING TUESDAY  2022

     

Click here to Donate

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BREAKING UP AND MOVING ON - Legal Aspects of Separation & Divorce Workshop was held on Nov. 15, 2022

Check back often for future scheduled dates

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BREAKING UP AND MOVING ON - Legal Aspects of Separation & Divorce Workshop was held on September 20, 2022

Check back often for future scheduled dates

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This JOB SKILLS WORKSHOP event had to be cancelled due to a low registration response.

Check back often for future schedulings.

Thanks to Hickory Public Library for partnering with us to provide this event to our community!

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INSPIRING WOMEN'S LUNCHEON was held on Tues, July 12, 2022

This was a free luncheon hosted by WRC.  Professor Michele Hewitt (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor at Crossroads Counseling Center and an adjunct professor of Psychology at Lenoir-Rhyne University) uses her personal experiences as a young, single mother and widow to inspire others to honor the sacred space that is their own while using adversity as fuel for growth. In between providing therapy services and teaching, Michele serves Women’s Resource Center as the facilitator of their emotional support group. 

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ORIGAMI BOOK MAKING CLASSES were held in June and July.

Check back often for future events

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BREAKING UP AND MOVING ON - Legal Aspects of Separation and Divorce Workshop originally scheduled for Tues June 28, 2022 was cancelled.

Check back often for reschedule date(s)

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2nd ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK FUNDRAISER EVENT WAS HELD ON SAT, APRIL 30, 2022

   

On Saturday, April 30, 2022 Women’s Resource Center hosted its 2nd Annual Art in the Park fundraiser event. This annual event was held in the Ivey Arboretum/Sally Fox Park in Hickory- where the Women’s Resource Center House is located - and guests enjoyed a variety of local art, a silent auction, food trucks, live music and more!

This event was once again a great success and we look forward to next year's event to be held on Sat, April 29, 2023.

 

 

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FREE HIV TESTING WAS HELD ON-SITE BY ALFA ON TUES, MARCH 1, 2022

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INSPIRING WOMEN'S LUNCHEON WAS HELD ON TUES, MARCH 1, 2022

Our Inspiring Women's Lunch is back in partnership with the Western Piedmont Symphony!  

This was a FREE event with lunch provided by the United Arts Council.  Dr. Elizabeth Keathley (Professor of Historical Musicology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, University of North Carolina, Greensboro), spoke about composer Amy Beach and the "Gaelic Symphony" which was the first symphony composed and published (1896) by an American woman!  

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HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY WRC!!!  - 2022 was WRC's 35th year of serving the community ... listening, helping, guiding, advocating, empowering, enriching, educating, caring, and lifting up women in our community.  

To help kick-off our 35th year, we posted a challenge for 35 people to show their support with a Birthday Pledge of just $35 per month .. and many accepted our challenge! If you would like to participate CLICK HERE TO DONATE VIA PAYPAL, enter $35 as your donation amount, check the box beside "make this a monthly donation", type Happy Birthday WRC in the memo section. 

“Words cannot express my appreciation for your heart of compassion and willingness to provide direction and assistance during my time of need."  ~ Liz B.

 

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CLICK HERE TO DONATE If you would like to participate in WRC's 35th Birthday Challenge Pledge, enter $35 as your donation amount, check the box beside "make this a monthly donation", type Happy Birthday WRC in the memo section.

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FREE!  CARDMAKING EVENT - EVENT WAS CANCELLED

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"Keeping Safe and Starting Over" Workshop was held at WRC on Tues, Nov. 9, 2021

This was the first in a five-session series workshop presented by First Citizens Bank over the next few months. 

The workshops are open for anyone who wants to learn more about financial abuse, what they can do to protect themselves, and how to budget for self-sufficiency.  All attendees are kept confidential.

 

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WINE TO WOMENADE - WAS HELD ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021

~A girls night for a good cause~

This event was held at Cafe Rule & Wine Bar in Hickory.  All proceeds went directly into WRC's Womenade fund, which assists women experiencing temperory setbacks or unexpected hardships.

Click here for details on our Womenade Financial Assistance program.  

 

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ART IN THE PARK - WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021

    

On Saturday, May 22, 2021, Women’s Resource Center hosted Art in the Park. This inaugural event was held in the Ivey Arboretum/Sally Fox Park in Hickory- where the Women’s Resource Center House is located.   

Guests enjoyed a variety of local art, a silent auction, food trucks, live music and more!

This event was originally set for May 30, 2020 but had to be postponed twice due to the pandemic.   In spite of all this, this event was a great success and will serve as our signature fundraising event in upcoming years.

        

     

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GIVING TUESDAY - December 1, 2020

(This section for additional past events is under construction )