When Erin Lipsker, a local community member, began thinking about her 45th birthday, she found herself reflecting on the world around her and asking a simple yet powerful question: What can I do to make a positive difference right now?

Her answer was both joyful and generous.

Instead of gifts, Erin chose to turn her birthday celebration into an opportunity to lift up five local nonprofits she deeply believes in, including YWCA Spokane. She Invited friends not only to celebrate, but to learn, give, and be part of something bigger than one evening.

“I wish I could change the world. I wish I could change the hearts of people,” Erin shared. “But all I can truly do is create a small, positive ripple of change in my community and hope it inspires someone else to do the same. Together, those small ripples become a powerful wave that I believe can move us towards a better, stronger, more compassionate future.”

In her invitation, she shared honestly about the moment we’re living in, describing it as “a very uncertain and disturbing time,” and her desire to respond with intention and care. Her plan? Bring people together for music, food, drinks, and connection, while also creating space to support organizations working every day to strengthen communities.

“For me personally, the easiest way to create that momentum is to build it into the celebrations, gatherings, and holidays that I’m already doing,” she explained. “Why can’t a birthday become a fundraiser? A brunch become a learning opportunity? Whenever we have a chance to be in community, we can create an opportunity for learning, laughter, and social activism.”

Guests were encouraged to donate if they were able, whether or not they could attend, and to take time to learn about the featured nonprofits in advance. It’s a beautiful reminder that generosity isn’t about pressure, it’s about awareness, choice, and shared purpose.

Adding to the spirit of the evening, Kizuri, a fair trade store and one of Erin's favorite places to shop in Spokane, stayed open in the Community Building during the party and pledged to donate 10% of the evening’s proceeds, divided equally among the five nonprofits highlighted. It was a true community effort, with celebration and impact woven together.

The Five Nonprofits Erin Chose to Highlight

• Conscious Connections Foundation works through Nepali–North American partnership to invest in the power of women and girls as key participants in their society. Based right here in Spokane, they focus on long-term, community-driven change.
• Northwest Mediation Center fosters peaceful problem-solving across our region, offering mediation services, restorative circles, and education that help individuals and families navigate conflict with dignity and respect.
• Take Up the Cause supports BIPOC community members in achieving intergenerational well-being, addressing the impacts of racism and inequality while helping remove barriers on the path from poverty to self-sufficiency.
• Ubuntu Fly Anglers brings together Black and brown anglers, educators, and environmental advocates to build community, leadership, and belonging in outdoor spaces that have not always felt accessible or welcoming to all.
• YWCA Spokane works to eliminate racism, empower women, and strengthen families and communities through life-saving services, advocacy, education, and violence prevention efforts.

Celebration as a Form of Community Care

What makes this story so meaningful isn’t just the funds raised, it’s the spirit behind it.

In a time when many people feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure how to help, this birthday celebration reminds us that we can start right where we are: with our relationships, our gatherings, and the causes that move us.

It also reminds us that community doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s something we build by inviting people in, by talking about the issues that matter, and by creating opportunities to care for our neighbors together.

By turning a personal milestone into a collective moment of generosity, she created space for connection, learning, and impact, all while “partying it up” with the people she loves.

We are deeply grateful to be included among the organizations she chose to champion and inspired by her example of community-rooted philanthropy. It’s proof that doing good and celebrating life don’t have to be separate things. In fact, they can be most powerful when they happen together.

Choose to Gather with Purpose

Moments like these strengthen the social fabric that nonprofits rely on every day. They spark conversations, deepen understanding, and remind us that we are not alone in wanting a more just, connected, and compassionate community.

When people choose to gather with purpose, they help build the networks of care, trust, and shared responsibility that make lasting change possible.

If you’re interested in bringing people together to support the work of YWCA Spokane, our Community Engagement team would love to connect with you at connect@ywcaspokane.org.

You can also explore more ways to get involved and give back by visiting the 参加する and Ways to Give pages on our website.