Goshen City commission sets planning meeting for International Women’s Day luncheon

The Goshen City Community Relations Commission spent most of its Feb. 3 meeting laying the groundwork for a March International Women’s Day luncheon and scheduled a focused planning session.

Commissioners discussed holding the luncheon around March 5–8 with Bread and Chocolate at the Old Bag Factory proposed as the venue and a tentative 11:30 a.m. start and 1:00 p.m. end. The event’s theme will be “give to gain”; organizers said they typically feature four or five presenters and that the mayor customarily speaks at the luncheon.

The commission emphasized that sponsorships and ticket sales are intended to cover event costs. The meeting record notes Eventbrite will be used for ticketing and that sponsor packages — including sponsored tables — are being developed so organizations or companies can underwrite attendance. The commission said it will prioritize identifying potential nonprofit presenters aligned with this year’s theme.

A planning work session was set for Monday, Feb. 9 from 5:00–6:00 p.m. in the City Hall conference room (202 South Fifth Street) to assign roles such as securing a photographer, arranging floral, finalizing sponsorship levels and confirming the venue date. Commissioners said the mayor’s executive assistant, Cheryl Tucker, will help coordinate logistics.

During public comment, resident Ida Short urged the commission to pursue sponsorships that could provide tickets to women or women-led businesses that cannot afford them. Commissioners acknowledged the suggestion and reiterated that sponsorship outreach is part of the planning strategy.

Next steps: organizers will confirm the final luncheon date with Bread and Chocolate, finalize sponsorship tiers and circulate assignments before the Feb. 9 planning meeting.