Join YWCA St. Paul for our 2025  What Moves You? Challenge Series!

Here at YWCA St. Paul, we work arm-in-arm with participants, partners and community members like you. This action-packed run of three events is designed to get you moving and engage with the transformative work happening in our shared neighborhood!

WHAT MOVES US?

The hundreds of people who rely on our wrap-around services each day. It’s a privilege to be a part of transforming lives and building brighter futures.

WHAT MOVES YOU?

Join our Challenge Series and find out!

Punch-a-Thon: June 5 – 30, 2025

📅 24-Hour Kickoff Event: June 5–6 | 2:00 PM to 2:00 PM

📍 YWCA St. Paul | Livestream Available Online

 

💥What is the Punch-a-Thon?

The Punch-a-Thon is our June challenge to raise funds in support of YWCA St. Paul’s mission-focused programs.

During our 24-hour kickoff event, participants will throw punches on the bag as pledges roll in—$1 per punch, hour after hour, with community members, high-profile guests, artists, and entertainers joining the action.

Whether you’re throwing punches, making a donation, or cheering from the sidelines, the Punch-a-Thon is your chance to fight for racial justice, equity, and opportunity in our community.

💪 Why We Punch

Funds raised will support YWCA St. Paul’s mission-driven work, including:

  • Safe, stable housing for hundreds of individuals and families

  • Career readiness for over 400 participants each year

  • Leadership support for young women of color exiting foster care

  • Scholarships for 500+ Health & Fitness Center members annually

  • Financial education, life skills, and wellness support for community members

 

🙌 How You Can Get Involved

  • 🥊 Punch: Click here to sign up to participate in the 24-hour kickoff event—solo or as a team! Every punch = $1 raised.

  • 💼 Sponsor: Join as an official event sponsor and show your commitment to equity and wellness.

    Email advancement@ywcastpaul.org or call 651-265-0766.

  • 🧡 Volunteer: Help make it happen! We need volunteers for registration, social media, guest support, concessions, and more. Email cbuarque@ywcastpaul.org or call 651-221-4689.

  • 🎤 Attend or Tune In: Check back soon for more information!

 

🎯 Fundraising Goal: $1.5 Million

Together, we’re punching through barriers—and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

#PunchathonYWCA #PunchPowerPurpose #WhatMovesYou

Motivate, Inspire and Engage!

A sponsorship is more than just a financial contribution; it’s a powerful show of support for the women and families who rely on our services. From housing and job training to health programs and mentorship, your support helps create pathways to success for those who need it most.

Check out a preview of our sponsorship packages below, then reach out to Michelle Heyn either by email at advancement@ywcastpaul.org or by phone at 651-265-0766.

Ready to complete your sponsorship payment? Here’s how:

Option #1: Pay via check mailed to: YWCA St. Paul | Attn: Michelle Heyn | 375 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102

Option #2: Pay online via the form below!

For questions about invoicing, wire transfers and more, call 651-265-0766 or email advancement@ywcastpaul.org

Ready to transform the lives of women and families across our community? Make a gift today!

June 5: Punch-a-Thon Kickoff

The Punch-a-Thon Kickoff is a 24-hour nonstop punching challenge to raise funds in support of YWCA St. Paul’s programs. Participants will throw punches on the bag as donations roll in—$1 per punch, hour after hour, with community members, high-profile guests, artists, and entertainers joining the action.

Whether you’re throwing punches, making a donation, or cheering from the sidelines, the Punch-a-Thon Kickoff is your chance to fight for racial justice, equity, and opportunity in our community.

July 19: Rondo Walk-a-Thon

Join us and community partners for a walk through Rondo, our home neighborhood steeped in history, rich in culture and vital to our community. End the walk at the Rondo Days Celebration!

September 19: Dance-a-Thon

Dance until you drop! Join us at the YWCA St. Paul for high energy 24-hour dance-a-thon. We are talking about Hip-Hop to Latin dances, Sole line dances, African dance, Bollywood -you name it! Dance for an hour or all night long!

Housing Stability

Transitional Housing: Provide temporary, supportive living arrangements for up to 36 months to help families and individuals stabilize during times of crisis and prepare to for successful transition into permanent housing in the community.

Permanent Supportive Housing: Offer long-term housing solutions paired with comprehensive support services to ensure stable housing for those with chronic illnesses and long-term disabilities.

Scattered Housing: Facilitate placements within the broader community, enabling participants to integrate into neighborhoods while receiving necessary support.

Stride: Focused on helping young people in foster care transition successfully to independent living through individualized action plans, mentorship, resource navigation and specialized training that promotes self-sufficiency and personal growth.

Economic Advancement

Career Pathways: Connect participants with rapid-access training and career opportunities in the growing health and wellness industry. This program is designed to accelerate entry into roles that provide family-sustaining and thriving wages, helping participants achieve economic stability more quickly.

Entrepreneurship Training: Equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, mentorship, and resources needed to launch and sustain their own businesses, fostering economic independence and promoting economic development opportunities within the broader community.

Policy & Leadership

Young Women’s Initiative: In partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the Governor’s Office, empower young women with leadership skills and advocacy tools to effect change.

Neighborhood Leadership Program: Originally launched at Wilder in the mid-1990s and recently acquired from Nexus Community Partners, this program fosters community leadership and engagement, equipping participants to drive local change.

Health & Wellness

Full-Service Health & Fitness Center: Operate a comprehensive facility offering a wide range of health and fitness services that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Culturally Responsive Fitness & Movement Programming: Provide fitness, movement, and exercise classes tailored to be culturally relevant and accessible to our diverse community.

Nutrition and Wellness Programs: Offer educational and practical programming focused on healthy eating, nutritional guidance, and overall wellness—ensuring that cost is never a barrier to accessing essential health services.

Make a BIG impact with your gift today!

DOUBLE your donation today!

Thanks to a matching gift from a generous donor, your gift will be DOUBLED up to $10,000! That means your generosity will go twice as far!