Women Supporting Women: The Babes Wine & Galentines Event That’s Changing Lives in Minnesota

Takeaways

• Babes Wine & Galentines is more than a fundraiser—it’s a women-centered night that creates connection, courage, and visible hope.
• INDY Foundation (“I’m Not Done Yet”) provides tangible, local support that directly helps cancer warriors with real-life expenses like gas, appointments, and bills.
• Behind-the-scenes moments—warriors bonding backstage, sharing stories, and holding hands—are where the deepest impact often happens.

Lindsay Salzbrun sits down with Courtney Studenski, Executive Director of the INDY Foundation, to share the heart behind “I’m Not Done Yet” and what it takes to lead a mission that serves families through cancer with dignity and hope. Courtney opens up about her family’s own cancer journey, how Indie showed up when they needed community most, and why Babes Wine & Galentines has become a powerful, women-supporting-women experience that’s unlike a typical fundraiser. Together, they break down how warriors are selected and supported, why public honoring matters, how volunteers make the night possible, and what fundraising dollars truly cover—like treatment travel, daily needs, and peace of mind.

Key Topics Covered:

• Courtney Studenski’s path from caregiver to Indie Foundation Executive Director
• The origin story and mission of INDY Foundation (“I’m Not Done Yet”)
• Why Babes Wine & Galentines feels different: empowerment + community + impact
• Warrior nominations, styling, hair/makeup, and what the runway moment means
• The behind-the-scenes emotional moments that audiences don’t always see
• Volunteer committees and how people can help without overcommitting
• What the money funds: gas, appointments, bills, and relief for cancer families
• Event impact: raising nearly $34,000 and sparking ongoing community momentum