The Galentine’s Effect: Why Women are the Heart of CICOA’s Mission

Last week, I stood in a room filled with laughter, vibrant outfits and decorations, and an undeniable sense of energy. We were celebrating Galentine’s—an event that started as a fun pop-culture holiday but has grown into a cornerstone fundraiser for CICOA.

This isn’t just a social gathering; it’s a moment where women unite to ensure our neighbors don’t go hungry or feel alone as they age. During my 17 years at CICOA, I’ve held many roles, but one of the most formative was leading our Meals & More department. I saw firsthand that a meal is never just about nutrition; it’s about a wellness check, a moment of human connection, and the foundation of a senior’s ability to remain independent at home.

As I looked out at the room full of leaders, sponsors, and advocates, I was reminded that none of us reach our personal and professional milestones alone. We get there because other women held the door open, shared their wisdom, and offered their support.

The Unseen Burden and the Quest for Dignity

Women are often the first to notice the “invisible” problems in our community. We notice the neighbor whose mail is piling up, the friend who is quietly drowning in caregiving responsibilities, or the senior whose fridge is nearly empty.

Most women I know don’t get involved in philanthropy just for a tax deduction. They do it because they feel a deep, passionate sense of justice for social causes. They see someone struggling and believe—rightly—that everyone deserves to age with dignity.

We heard this so clearly last week from Terri, a Meals & More client. She shared a poem about the low points of her life, including losing her vision and her husband, and how she found a sense of belonging and hope through our neighborhood meal site at PrimeLife Enrichment Center, one of our vital community partners. That search for belonging is something women intuitively understand and are uniquely driven to provide for others.

The Power of Collaborative Giving

Recently, our team was discussing why events like Galentine’s resonate so deeply, and the answer lies in the data. Research from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy shows that women give differently.

Women are more likely to give based on empathy and are significantly more inclined to give to healthcare and social services. But the real impact comes from collaborative giving. Women don’t just invest their money—they invest their “social capital,” meaning they bring their friends, their ideas, and their professional influence to the causes they love.

When women move together toward a common goal, the impact is multiplied, creating a ripple effect that improves the long-term health of our entire community.

A Community Sustained by Care

At CICOA, we are fortunate to be at the intersection of this incredible energy. While we celebrate the specific impact of women, our mission is ultimately about a community-wide commitment to dignity. Last year, we served over 431,000 meals. Behind those numbers are thousands of individual decisions to care—decisions made by our donors, our sponsors, and our staff.

It takes a robust ecosystem of support to keep these wheels turning. But there is no denying that when women decide to champion a cause like senior nutrition, they create a sustainable foundation that benefits everyone. They aren’t just funding a program; they are building a legacy of care.

How Will You Share the Love?

The spirit of Galentine’s shouldn’t end when the decorations come down. It is a year-round commitment to lifting each other up. If you’re looking for a way to turn your compassion into action, I invite you to join us:

• Honor a Mentor: Make a donation to CICOA in honor of a woman who paved the way for you or held a door open when you needed it most.
• Offer the Gift of Presence: We are always looking for volunteers to bring a smile to seniors in our community.
• Bring Your Voice: We are looking for leaders who want to help us shape the future of aging in Indiana. Consider exploring a role on our Board or one of our committees.

None of us do this alone. Thank you for being part of the circle that ensures our seniors are never invisible and never forgotten.

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Lisa Schneekloth

As President & CEO of CICOA, Lisa Schneekloth’s vision is shaped by more than 15 years of experience within the organization, from direct client support to establishing robust compliance standards. Driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, she collaborates with the community to expand CICOA’s impact and ensure individuals have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.