formerly known as the birthday party, 2024’s Fuel the fire gala will be bigger and better than ever!

Lead(h)er invites you to the 2024 Fuel the Fire Gala to enjoy a beautiful evening celebrating over 1,100 women empowered by mentorship over the past 8 years. It’s a momentous occasion that brings our community together to support and uplift women in the Quad Cities Area.

Doors open at 5:30 pm for attendees to enjoy music, drinks, heavy appetizer stations, Snap Wagon photo booth, a silent auction, wine pull, networking with inspiring QC women, and more. Stay for the main event at 7:30 pm, the Girl on Fire Awards, honoring the extraordinary achievements of the women who participate in the program who are making a huge impact in the Quad Cities.

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

Old Oaks Winery in Milan, IL

5:30 to 8:30 pm

Tickets are for sale at the link below $50 each or $500 per table (10 seats/tickets included).

General Entry includes: a signature drink ticket, dinner, live music, unlimited Snap Wagon photobooth access and entry to the main event: The 2024 Girl on Fire Awards.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What should I wear, what’s the dress code?! Business Casual to Cocktail. Leave the office and head straight to the event in your work attire or dress to impress! All that matters is that you join us to fuel the fire!

  • Who’s Invited? Anyone in the Quad Cities that wants to support Lead(h)er’s mission. We welcome anyone from the Quad Cities community to attend this event, whether you are new to Lead(h)er or a longtime supporter! (P.S. to answer the most common question, YES, men are allowed and encouraged to attend, too!)

  • What do the Gala proceeds go to? Our Strike a Match Mentorship Program! Learn more about our mission here: https://www.leadherqc.org/

 

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Girl on Fire Awards:

A girl on fire is any woman who is on fire. They could be someone who has pushed through their comfort zone, overcome something difficult, or even a woman who has made a strong commitment to giving back.

The Girl on Fire Awards are an annual celebration to honor outstanding women in the Lead(h)er community by announcing the Mentor, Mentee and Found(h)er of the Year. Women in the Strike a Match mentoring program are able to nominate their mentor or mentee for their unique contributions through mentorship.

Past Recipients

2023 Mentor of the Year: Samantha Widener
2023 Mentee of the Year: Emily Cummings
2023 Found(h)er of the Year: LuAnn Haydon

2022 Mentor of the Year: Loredana Cooper
2022 Mentee of the Year: Charla Wood
2022 Found(h)er of the Year: Beth Grabin

2021 Mentor of the Year: Jazmin Newton
2021 Mentee of the Year: Marcie Ordaz
Found(h)er of the Year: Melissa Pepper

2020 Mentor of the Year: Cara Joiner
2020 Mentee of the Year: Rumaisa Rahman Khawaja

2019 Mentor of the Year: Deanna Jensen-Valliere
2019 Mentor of the Year: Lillie Johnson

2018 Mentor of the Year: Kirby Vyncke-Hughes
2018 Mentee of the Year: Jasmine Bozeman

2023 Mentor of the Year: Samantha Widener

2023 Mentee of the Year: Emily Cummings