Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan’s Spring Soiree May 8, 2025
A Mission-Driven Partnership: Women’s Center Soiree Returns to Frutig Farms
Jyoti Gupta, Lupe Cervantes, Marnie Leavitt, and Karen Zynda at The Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan.
Why They Chose Frutig Farms
Each spring, Frutig Farms proudly hosts the Annual Spring Soiree for the Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan, a night of purpose, celebration, and heartfelt giving.
This year’s event on May 8, 2025 marks the third time the nonprofit has chosen to host their event at Frutig Farms, and the reason is clear: Frutig Farms helps them do more than host an event— it helps them grow their mission.
We sat down with Jyoti Gupta, Development Director at the Women’s Center, to learn what makes the Valley at Frutig Farms such a great match for their annual fundraiser— and how other nonprofit organizations can benefit too.
Event Details:
Guest count - 250
Fundraising goal - $150,000
Catering - Katherine’s Catering; Simply Scrumptious; Citizen Provisions
Dessert - Nothing Bundt Cakes
Cocktail Tastings - Tammy's Tastings (Tammy Coxen is the co-author of the cocktail book Cheers to Michigan, was co-host of a regular cocktail segment on Michigan Radio, and has written for Hour Detroit magazine and other publications.
Brewery Sponsor - Hear.Say Brewing
Wine Sponsor - Eagle Eye Brands; Ketchum Vinyard & Winery
Signage, posters, banners, and print materials - DollarBill Printing
Entertainment - Ani Mari & Co.
A Place That Feels Like Home
When Jyoti first toured Frutig Farms, she felt something special.
“When we walked in, we said, this is so Women’s Center. It was welcoming, flexible, and warm.”
For a mission-focused organization like the Women’s Center, it’s not just about the look of a space. It’s about alignment. The rustic charm and elevated design of the Valley perfectly matched the Center’s values: connection, authenticity, and care.
Why Nonprofits Love Hosting at Frutig Farms
Unlike traditional hotel banquet rooms, Frutig Farms offers elegance with heart. From the stone patio to the glowing chandeliers inside the barn, every detail supports a beautiful guest experience and smooth event execution.
“It’s the most gorgeous place in our county to host an event,” Jyoti said. “And more importantly, you understand who we are and what we need.”
The Women’s Center relies on volunteers, donors, and community partnerships. They needed a venue that would offer flexibility, support, and planning help— and found that in the Frutig team team.
Planning Support That Goes Beyond the Contract
Frutig Farms isn’t just a rental space— it’s a partner.
“We always include Frutig in our in-kind list,” Jyoti said. “You go above and beyond what’s paid for. It’s not just the contract, it’s what you do on top of that.”
From early load-ins to last-minute rain plans, our team has worked closely with the Women’s Center each year to solve challenges and ensure event success. In 2024, when rain poured down just hours before the event, our staff helped shift the layout seamlessly.
“We pivoted everything— the bar, the food, the seating. But your team helped us make it perfect. That’s why we keep coming back.”
What the Women’s Center Does— and Why It Matters
While the event is stunning, the cause is even more powerful. The Women’s Center offers affordable mental health counseling, career and financial coaching, and support groups for women and families in southeast Michigan.
Their mission is to remove barriers to care, with services available whether or not clients have insurance. They even train master’s-level therapy interns from schools like the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, and Wayne State, offering over 11,000 hours of counseling annually.
Programs like Soundings, MomShare, and financial coaching are funded in large part by the Spring Soiree.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Our goal is to raise $150,000— and that money goes directly to helping people access therapy, coaching, and real support.”
Support from Local Businesses and Sponsors
The Center’s annual event is also a showcase of community collaboration. Vendors like Katherine’s Catering, Simply Scrumptious, Tammy’s Tastings, and Eagle Eye Brands help bring the night to life. Meanwhile, local sponsors and donors, including many banks and foundations, join as event partners and experience the venue firsthand.
“We want sponsors to see the space and feel the energy. It’s not just a fundraiser, it’s a connection point.”
Planning Tips for Nonprofit Event Planners
Jyoti shared some advice for other nonprofits considering Frutig Farms:
“Make sure your guests know there is Wi-Fi if you’re planning to use QR codes or mobile donations. People give in the moment, so having extra connectivity helps.”
She also highlighted how thoughtful logistics, like Frutig Farms’ extra lighting and golf carts for accessibility, help events run smoothly for all guests.
Key Takeaways for Nonprofits
Frutig Farms offers more than a venue— it’s a planning partner that understands the unique needs of mission-driven events.
Flexibility is key. From vendor freedom to early drop-offs, our team works with you to adapt no matter the situation.
The venue elevates your mission. With rustic beauty and elegance, it creates a space where guests feel moved to give.
Strong planning support makes all the difference. From rain plans to volunteer coordination, we’ve got your back.
Your mission matters here. We support organizations doing good work and help you succeed in fundraising for it.
Ready to Book Your Nonprofit Event?
Whether you're planning a gala, fundraiser, retreat, or community celebration, Frutig Farms is here to help you create something meaningful. We’re proud to partner with organizations that give back, and we’d love to show you what’s possible here.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about hosting your next nonprofit event at Frutig Farms.