November in Milwaukee sees the hustle and bustle of holiday displays, lights, and shopping. Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel finds itself in the middle of some of the most dazzling holiday lights and activities. Inside the hotel, on the second floor, influential women in the community gather to drink and eat, laugh and mingle, and shop for a cause. This is the annual Women United SPREE: Shopping for Change event.
SPREE is hosted by Women United, a powerful network of women who strengthen our community through an investment of talent, compassion, and philanthropy. As one of the largest donor networks in the world, Women United has been changing lives over the past 20 years. Leading the network is the Women’s Leadership Council, of which Jennifer Westphal of MGIC is a member.
“SPREE supports and promotes women-owned businesses, and it raises money for the initiative we’re promoting,” Jennifer said. “And this year, it’s Empowering Minds.”
Teen Mental Wellness: Empowering Minds is United Way’s newest initiative. In early 2022, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County brought together mental health experts to collaborate on solutions for youth mental health within our community. Centered in schools, it focuses on prevention, equity, and access to mental health services for teens.
“It’s an initiative that you learn a lot about, and it’s tangible,” Jennifer said. “I don’t think there’s anyone in the world that’s not touched by mental illness in some way another in their family, their friends, or themselves. So, when you’re giving, when you’re a part of Women United, you see the difference that’s being made.”
Promotion of the initiative blends seamlessly with the shopping and live auction at SPREE. While guests socialize and shop, they’re invited throughout the evening to learn more about Women United, Teen Mental Wellness: Empowering Minds, and United Way. The auction brings roaring laughter as guests joyfully bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences, with past auction items including designer purses and home-cooked meals from esteemed chefs.
“It’s a fun night, and it’s so focused on women. You get to talk to the retailers and learn more about their businesses. And I think a lot of it has to do with the mission. We’re there to inspire each other.”
Jennifer looks forward to SPREE each year in part because she loves the holiday season, but also because she looks forward to including other guests in the evening’s comradery. She remembers her first SPREE event and how the mission that year was to help displaced women who needed feminine hygiene products. It inspired her to not only spread the word about SPREE but, hopefully, encourage other women to join Women United.
“Of all events I've been to, SPREE just feels different. It has a different vibe,” she said. “It feels like everyone is friends.”
With the feelings of friendship and philanthropy in the air during this annual event, Women United continues to change lives and improve our community. They truly Live United.
The 2024 SPREE: Shopping for Change will occur this year on Friday, November 15 at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel. Registration is open now but hurry – space for this unique event is limited.
See some of the photos from last year’s event below.