10/18/2025
Our 42nd Inspired Women North meeting held last week proved to be one of the most compelling I've been witness to. Having a record 8 nominations, it spoke volumes to the financial needs of ALL non-profits right now. Thankfully even our members who can't make meetings - are committed to donating the $100 per quarter knowing it will always go to a deserving agency doing the heavy lifting on behalf of women and girls.
It was suggested that I just post my meeting re-cap so here it is for those that are interested.
Dear Inspired Members and Guests,
We had another outstanding evening of local giving, filled with important connections. Lynn McKinnis, our record-breaking winner from April updated us on RAM’s plans to use our donation for the lodging and travel expenses of 500 general support volunteers and professionals. Inspired Women will even be featured on the back of their T-shirts—what an honor!
At the start of the night, our chapter alone has donated over $250,000 and this evening we raised another $6,900 for a local nonprofit. We had a record eight nominations but even more special, all three presenters chosen represented nonprofits that were brand new to our chapter. Becoming educated about these local resources made the night very special for all of us.
We heard from Beth Caldwell, ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association, whose donations from over 600 walks go toward research at the University of Pittsburgh. They’re so close—if we could cure polio, why not Alzheimer’s, too? We also heard from Sherry Jo Matt, founder of Stop the Judgement Project, whose mission is to end the stigma around mental health disorders and substance abuse by educating kids on the science of the brain and addiction.
Ultimately, the night’s donation went to Cory Hart with PAAR (Pittsburgh Action Against R**e). Cory shared a personal story about discovering PAAR with his wife and said he was “humbled and incredibly grateful” for the donation and encouraged everyone to “support all the non-profits you can…If it doesn’t affect you, I guarantee it has affected someone close to you.” In fact, Sherry with Stop the Judgement shared that her daughter had been with PAAR for five years—a true full-circle moment!
Welcome new members Liz Delosa, an attorney with Project Innocence, and Debra Kolb, co-founder (with her husband, former Steeler Jon Kolb) of Adventures in Training. Because we are still offering matching funds for new members, this is an additional $400 toward our donation! Thank you, ladies!! We’ll keep moving this funding forward into January, so now’s the time to get friends to join!
Note: Bring a guest and get a lottery ticket to win a basket in January! Diana Fletcher (East End Chapter Leader) brought two guests to this meeting and won the Fall Inspired Basket made by member Debbie Busteed! She has the next basket ready and our matching funds for new members will move into January as well!
Our vendors included Chanin with Flexy Fit Transformations, offering science-backed wight-loss strategies to meet you where you are; Martha with Kelo Kolor press-on nails; and Divorce Coach Melissa Hancock, who helps you “save time, money, and your sanity.” Melissa just launched the Divorced and Ready to Travel Diaries, and their very first retreat is coming up in November with guest speakers Tanya Chaney and our South Chapter leader Kym Gable! Learn more at melissa-hancock.mykajabi.com/retreat.
Special thanks to Po***ck Begg Family Law Firm for their continuing support and major sponsorship! Since 100% of our money raised goes to the winning nonprofit, it’s not possible to meet our overhead without sponsorship. A huge Thank YOU !!
If you’re already signed up on Grapevine – Terrific. ! If not, take just a minute to go online. www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/2nlhaJD/-?gvu=3BuoW5
If you are a longstanding member, you can still send in your checks made out to PAAR c/o Inspired Women, 251 Westvue Rd. Wexford, Pa. 15090
Eight more chapter meetings this month with matching new member funding in Westmoreland and South! Fall is a great time to make connections and enjoy some fabulous food so spread the word!
Mark your calendars for our next event 5:30 PM Thursday, January 8th at the Doubletree where you can nominate GLOBAL charities. Our friends in Naples plan to join us once again via Zoom – stay tuned for details.
As the late Jane Goodall once said, “We have the choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place—or not to bother.” Thank you ALL for bothering! Each of you contributes to the collective impact and the ripple effect for good.
In gratitude,
Debra Dion Krischke
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- It’s a Busy Fall !! MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
October Inspired Meetings :
- East/ Westmoreland - Oct. 7th – Matching funds
- Sewickley - Oct. 22nd
- Pittsburgh South -oct. 28th – Matching funds
- Pittsburgh Downtown - Oct. 21st New location at Lemont
- Beaver - Oct. 20th
- East End - Oct. 22nd
- Fayette, SW PA - Oct. 23
- Chicago - Oct. 28th
