Women of Wine Charities Named 2025 Outstanding Community Service Organization
Founded in 2007, Women of Wine Charities is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC). What began as a grassroots effort by women in the wine and hospitality industry has grown into a powerful philanthropic network raising nearly $1 million in 18 years. WOW’s mission is simple but profound: to combine the power of community with the enjoyment of wine-related events to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. Their signature gatherings, monthly happy hours, ticketed wine education programs, and creative campaigns like Safe Night’s Sleep raise both awareness and critical funding for HAWC. Through this initiative, individual donors and companies cover the cost of one night of housing and supportive services for a family at HAWC’s emergency shelter. April 2025, HAWC celebrated the opening of One Safe Place Houston, a 5.5-acre campus that tripled temporary supportive housing capacity from 120 to 350 individuals. This state-of-the-art facility offers wraparound services such as crisis intervention, legal advocacy, counseling, and economic empowerment programs. WOW’s contributions ensure that all of these services remain free, confidential, and accessible to anyone in need. Their creativity and commitment have earned recognition throughout Houston. In 2024, WOW received the HAWC Future Forward Visionary Award for its extraordinary contributions. Their beloved annual Sangria Throwdown has become a community celebration, drawing hundreds of attendees and raising vital funds for survivors. As Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin shared, “WOW exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community.” The generosity of WOW’s members ensures that survivors of violence have access not only to shelter and safety, but also to hope and healing. Their story demonstrates how a group of dedicated individuals, united by passion and purpose, can transform a community. Join us in celebrating Women of Wine Charities and all of our 2025 honorees at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon. Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 |
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter is proud to recognize Women of Wine Charities (WOW) as the 2025 recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Organization Award, to be celebrated at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon.