The Women Inspired Network hosted its 9th Annual Celebration of Giving on Sunday, December 9, 2025, by awarding $8,000 in grants to local nonprofits that empower women and benefit youth throughout Starved Rock Country.
The grantees included:
Peru Police Department, “Haven’s Heroes” therapy dog, $5,000.
Waltham Elementary School library, $1,500.
Regional Office of Education 35 Academy’s “Resilient Rockstars,” $1,000.
Grow Spring Valley’s “Julie Rutgens Taliani Community Garden,” $500.
Peru Police’s K9, Haven, is a St. Bernard therapy dog assigned to the department’s school resources officer. The goal of the pilot program is to increase the frequency of kind acts in schools and strengthen student bonds.
ROE’s Resilient Rockstars pilot program teaches students the importance of social-emotional wellness and provides coping strategies.
Grow Spring Valley’s Julie Rutgens Taliani Community Garden helps address food insecurity in the community. The project is possible through partnerships with the University of Illinois Master Gardeners, Hall High School science teacher Nikki Barto, and dedicated Grow members.
WIN Grants Chair Debbie Buffington emceed the event at Camp Aramoni in Tonica and was assisted by WIN steering committee co-chair Cherie Reynolds. Debbie said WIN has awarded $120,000 in grants and scholarships since its founding.
Women Inspired Network is a charitable giving circle of local philanthropic women who make annual contributions to empower and enhance the quality of life for women and children.
