More Than a Gathering: Serving Together at MATTER

One of the things that makes Women & Wine so special is that we don't just gather—we serve, connect, and grow together.

Our August gathering gave us the opportunity to do exactly that as we spent the evening at MATTER, beginning with an hour of volunteering before settling in for conversation and connection.

Together, we assembled Hope Kits, a simple idea that has grown into something incredibly impactful. During our time together, we learned the story behind these kits. They were originally created using surplus donated products that otherwise would have been discarded because they were no longer needed by the donating organizations. What began as a way to give extra products a second life quickly revealed something much bigger the need for Hope Kits far exceeded the available surplus.

Today, the demand continues to grow, and MATTER often needs to purchase supplies to keep these kits available for individuals and families who need them most.

I'm proud to share that Women & Wine made a small donation to MATTER to help purchase additional items for future Hope Kits. While our contribution may be modest, it's another reminder that when a community comes together, even small acts of generosity can create a lasting impact.

If you haven't heard of MATTER, I encourage you to learn more about their incredible mission. What began by rescuing surplus and expired medical supplies has grown into a global nonprofit that helps people launch healthier futures by redirecting products, creating innovative programs, and serving communities both here in the United States and around the world. Their work is a beautiful example of seeing possibility where others might see waste.

A heartfelt thank you to Tami Hedrick, President, U.S. Operations & Chief Engagement Officer, for welcoming Women & Wine into the MATTER community, sharing your inspiring story, and hosting us in such a meaningful space.

After volunteering, we gathered the way we always do with wine, refreshments, appetizers, conversation, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect and welcome new faces into our community.

One of my favorite parts of every Women & Wine gathering is hearing the stories. Stories of friendships that have formed. Professional introductions that turned into career opportunities. Women finding encouragement during difficult seasons. Conversations about faith, family, health, purpose, and life's many transitions. It's a reminder that community isn't built in one evening it grows one conversation, one shared experience, and one relationship at a time.

People often talk about the "Six Degrees of Separation"—the idea that we're all connected through someone we know. At Women & Wine, we've found something even more meaningful. We aren't simply connected by proximity or coincidence. We're intentionally building relationships rooted in authenticity, encouragement, and a genuine desire to see one another thrive.

That is what this community has always been about.

My hope is that every woman who walks through our doors finds a few meaningful connections to carry with her long after the evening ends. Whether those connections become trusted friendships, professional mentors, prayer partners, or simply someone to share a cup of coffee with, they matter.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at MATTER, served alongside one another, and continues to make Women & Wine the incredible community it has become.

Together, we're proving that when women show up for each other and for their communities—we create something far greater than an event.

We create belonging.