Since the loss of our fearless founder, Sue Zelickson, in August, many of you have reached out asking how WWRC might honor her.
Over the past several weeks, we have worked closely with Sue’s family to find a way to channel the outpouring of love for Sue into something that reflects how she lived, while staying true to her wishes.
Rather than looking back, we want to carry forward the values Sue modeled throughout her life: generosity, connection, community, and a genuine commitment to helping others.
And so, we invite you to join us for:
CARRY IT FORWARD
A Month of Connection, Generosity & Community Inspired by Sue Zelickson
September 13 – October 13
Sue Zelickson could turn a room full of strangers into a gathering of friends.
She had an extraordinary ability to see the potential in people and help bring their ideas to life. She made connections, opened doors, and invested in others, especially the next generation. Sue showed us how much of a difference one person can make simply by choosing to help.
Sue was also very clear with her family that after she was gone, she did not want a public memorial or celebration centered around her.
That was Sue. She would much rather build someone else up, shine a light on what they were doing, and help them succeed.
And perhaps one of the most meaningful ways we can honor her is to live by that example and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
The idea is simple: Think about Sue or someone who made a difference in your life. How can you carry that impact forward into someone else’s?
September 13 marks Sue’s birthday and is officially proclaimed Sue Zelickson Day in Minnesota. Beginning that day and continuing through October 13, Women Who Really Cook invites Minnesota’s food and hospitality community to Carry It Forward.
How to Participate
There is no single way to carry it forward because we all have something unique to offer.
Donate a portion of sales to a meaningful cause. Organize a volunteer opportunity or fundraising dinner. Mentor someone beginning their career. Share your expertise. Make an introduction that opens a door. Or simply take an interest in someone who could use a little help.
Participants may choose to support causes important to Sue, including the Sue Zelickson Scholarship Fund, Cookie Cart, American Cancer Society, or Second Harvest Heartland. Or find any other way to make a difference. The possibilities are endless.
Throughout the month, Women Who Really Cook will help connect and amplify these efforts by highlighting opportunities to get involved and ways people across our community are carrying it forward.
Have an event, fundraiser, volunteer opportunity, or other effort we can help spread the word about? Tell us how you’re carrying it forward here!
If you post on social media, tag Women Who Really Cook and use #CarryItForwardMN so we can follow along and amplify your efforts.
But also know that it doesn’t have to be something grand or public. Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference, whether anyone else knows about them or not.
Over the coming month, we look forward to sharing more ways to get involved and stories from across our community.
How will you carry it forward?
#CarryItForwardMN