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By Michelle Jaskulski, INNER BEAUTY CENTER
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — August 2026 — Inner Beauty Center (IBC), a Milwaukee nonprofit serving women impacted by sexual exploitation, trafficking, addiction, abuse and poverty, will host its annual fundraising gala, Where Hope Blooms, on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The evening will bring together community members, businesses, churches, partners and supporters to celebrate the work of Inner Beauty Center and raise critical funds to continue serving women on Milwaukee’s south side.
Inner Beauty Center began in 2012 after a woman unexpectedly walked into a south-side Milwaukee church seeking help. Her visit opened the eyes of church members to the needs of women living and working in the surrounding neighborhood. What began with a small group of volunteers, a weekly Drop-In program and street outreach has grown into an organization providing consistent, relationship-based support to women facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances.
Today, IBC meets women where they are through street outreach, a twice-weekly Drop-In Center, harm-reduction services, meals, clothing and personal-care items, advocacy, peer support, referrals and connections to treatment and community resources.
“Our work starts with showing up,” said Deanne Lawson, Executive Director of Inner Beauty Center. “Sometimes that means meeting a woman on the street with a meal and supplies. Other times it means sitting beside her at the Center, helping her navigate resources or simply providing a safe place where she knows she is welcome. The Gala helps make that continued presence possible.”
The Where Hope Blooms Gala will feature dinner, opportunities to learn more about Inner Beauty Center’s mission, and a silent auction featuring experiences, gift certificates and items generously donated by Milwaukee-area businesses and community partners.
IBC is currently welcoming gala sponsors at the $100, $250, $500 and $1,000 levels, as well as silent-auction donations and guests who would like to attend and support the organization.
Funds raised through the event will help Inner Beauty Center continue providing practical assistance, harm-reduction resources and compassionate, trauma-informed support while building relationships that can become bridges toward greater safety, stability and hope.
Event details
Where Hope Blooms — Inner Beauty Center Annual Gala
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Benefiting: Inner Beauty Center
Location: Mitchel Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215
Individuals, businesses, churches and community organizations interested in attending, sponsoring the Gala, donating to the silent auction or supporting Inner Beauty Center are encouraged to connect with the organization for additional information.
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