LANSING, Mich. – Women Working Wonders (W3), a touchpoint for philanthropy and service in the community for the past 25 years, has recently transitioned from the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Foundation to become an independent nonprofit organization with a broader mission to serve women’s well-being throughout Mid-Michigan.

Founded in 2002 by Lansing entrepreneurs Virginia Hilbert and Martha Mertz, the all-volunteer organization raised nearly $6 million in its years with the Foundation, and with the help of the greater Lansing community, to build a strong legacy with its mission of improving the well-being of women through projects and initiatives to support them. W3 did so through such signature fundraising events as Dapper Dads, Art a La Carte, and Boots & Bling. Funding highlights include:

• $1 million to the Herbert-Herman Cancer Center
• $1 million to the new Breast Health Center at U-M Health-Sparrow.
• The founding of a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Room at Sparrow’s Emergency Department to provide timely and compassionate care to pediatric and adult victims of sexual assault.
• Funds toward the UM Health-Sparrow Mobile Health Clinic, increasing access to care around our region for the medically underserved.
• Funding a lactation clinic at Sparrow to assist mothers who may have challenges breastfeeding their new babies.
• A DigniCap Scalp Cooling System to help breast cancer patients potentially retain their hair during chemotherapy treatments.
• A Transition-to-Hospice program for terminally ill patients and their families to ease into end-of-life care.
• $500,000 during the COVID pandemic toward the special needs of Sparrow caregivers.

“The best of Women Working Wonders is still ahead of us,” said Marianne Bacon Juarez, W3 President. “As an independent nonprofit, we have the opportunity to build on our legacy of impact while expanding our reach and evolving to meet the needs of our community. I’m honored to follow the generations of women who built W3, and excited about what we can achieve together as we help more people across Greater Lansing thrive.”

Margaret Dimond, Regional President of U-M Health, noted that the bond between U-M Health and W3 will remain strong.

“We are so indebted to W3 for everything they have done and plan to continue to have a vibrant and positive relationship with the group,” Dimond said. “We intend to show our gratitude and recognize W3’s impact with a special celebration event in early August.”

Michelle Geller, Managing Director, Regional Network Development at U-M Health, lauded W3’s incredible service to the community.

“Community philanthropy plays a critical role in advancing women’s health in Mid‑Michigan,” Geller said. “When people come together to support women, they create access, dignity and hope. Women Working Wonders has shown how deeply a community can transform care, and we are grateful for their unwavering commitment to the women at UM Health-Sparrow.”

Before concluding its exclusive relationship with UM Health-Sparrow, W3 dedicated its remaining funds, again raised through the generosity and support of the Greater Lansing community, for initiatives and programs that will continue to have a long-lasting impact on the health of women and their families in mid-Michigan. These are:

• $225,000 for three porches for the planned behavioral health hospital on the UM Health-Sparrow Lansing campus.
• $225,000 for a new nursing scholarship for current UM Health-Sparrow team members to pursue a career in nursing.
• $125,000 for precision medicine therapy for women’s cancer treatment at the Herbert-Herman Cancer Center.
• $100,000 for a hospice transitions endowment.
• Extended funding for cold cap therapy for breast cancer patients, as part of an endowment established years ago by a W3 member.

Since its inception, W3’s membership has been comprised of more than 30 professional women from the Greater Lansing area who’ve worked tirelessly over the years to raise money for its mission. They continue to honor the organization’s health-focused roots. As W3 moves forward as an independent organization, its work is guided by a clear understanding that women’s well-being extends beyond any single issue. Its vision is built on a legacy of women helping women and a Mid-Michigan community where women are supported, connected and empowered to thrive – through strong networks, collective philanthropy and sustained investment in women’s overall well-being, today and for generations to come.

“For the past 25 years, W3 has partnered with Sparrow to improve the health of women and that success has been driven by the generous, unwavering support and commitment of this community,” said Stella Cash, a longtime W3 leader and Emeritus Board member.

UM Health-Sparrow and the entire Mid-Michigan region are indebted to W3 for its commitment and generosity and looks forward to many more years of continued service to the women of this community.