Welcome To
The Lincoln-Way Area Business Women's Organization
Supporting young girls and women with scholarship opportunity through social and networking endeavors
welcome
Our History
How did it all begin? Where did the idea start for impressive group called the Lincoln – Way Area Business Women’s organization that have been providing scholarships to women in the community for over 5 decades.
In the late 1960’s Judy Niemann and her mom, Betty Dunn, along with several women in the Lincoln-way community were part of an international Women’s Group BPW (International Federation of Business and Professional Women). It appealed to them because if promoted the betterment of women. The women were part of this National organization and met at Bruns Restaurant in the basement, on the corner of Rt 30 and Cedar, where CVS pharmacy is currently located.
The group continued for a couple of years but became frustrated with all the strict requirements, monthly required forms, and increasing dues. The top organization also requested that they attend conventions. Eventually the women collectively decided to dissolve their BPW group.
Soon, the women realized they still wanted to get together to support the community to do good. So, a spark was lit in 1971 that would ignite a flame for many years to come. Lincoln-Way Area Business Women’s Organization was born. It started with little things and grew as the years went on. It was small in the beginning, but the focus was on financially supporting scholarships for girls at the local schools. Judy recollects that the scholarship award was $250 when the club started. Later, a continuing education scholarship was added to women who were going back to school to pursue a degree.
The main fundraiser was an auction in December of handmade crafts and baked goods. The auction was held in the basement at Bruns restaurant. The auction became so popular that it was moved to the VFW hall in New Lenox where it is still held today.
You do not have to own a business in order to become a member.
We are a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization
MEETINGS
Monthly meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday:
September 17, 2024
October 15, 2024
November 19, 2024
December 4, 2024 CHRISTMAS AUCTION @ New Lenox VFW
January 21, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 18, 2025
April 15, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 17, 2025 Scholarship Dinner held at Gatto's Restaurant
We meet at
Gatto's Restaurant
1938 E Lincoln Hwy, New Lenox, IL
Check-in & Networking @ 5:40 - 6:15 pm
Dinner Cost: $19.00
Optional:
$20 50/50 Split the Pot
You do not have to be a business owner in order to join the club
Please contact Sue Wolf if you like to attend a meeting. 815-474-5475
WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
Giving back
Our Mission
Act of Kindness
Act of Kindness
Our main focus is to provide scholarship funds to graduating female high school seniors and adult women for the purpose of continuing education.
We are a network of over 80 Women (Business Owners and Non-Business Owners) living in the New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort and Manhattan area.
Each month a dinner meeting is held with a presentation.
Our main focus is to provide scholarship funds to graduating female high school seniors and adult women for the purpose of continuing education.
We are a network of over 80 Women (Business Owners and Non-Business Owners) living in the New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort and Manhattan area.
Each month a dinner meeting is held with a presentation. There is plenty of time to meet other members before and after the meeting.
Please find the scholarship application on the forms/application page of this website. Each form contains requirements and deadlines.
Act of Kindness
Act of Kindness
Act of Kindness
Each month, the Lincoln-Way Area Business Women's Organization (LWABWO) spotlight an individual or group who is making a difference in the Lincoln-Way Area community. We are educated in their cause/concerns/journey.
If interested in promoting your business/journey/organization, please contact one of our organization members or leave your information in our Contact Us page.
Programs
Act of Kindness
Programs
Would you like to promote your business or not-for-profit? We would like to hear from you. Contact Kim Burbank
affiliations
New Lenox Chamber of Commerce
New Lenox Chamber of Commerce
New Lenox Chamber of Commerce
Mokena Chamber of Commerce
New Lenox Chamber of Commerce
New Lenox Chamber of Commerce
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Frankfort Chamber of Commerce
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
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