When Sarah Peters first said yes to organizing a fundraiser for Kin Wellness & Support Center in July 2023, she had just six weeks to pull it together. What started as a generous venue donation from Peddler’s Village has transformed into something much bigger—a movement that’s raised over $20,000 for local cancer support and created lasting connections among Bucks County’s business women. Now in its third year, the Bucks County Women in Business Summit has found its stride. This October 9th, 75 women will gather at the Black Bass Hotel & Restaurant for what promises to be the most impactful event yet.

From Rapid Start to Sustainable Growth

The numbers tell part of the story. That first summit in October 2023 brought together 100 women and raised nearly $9,700. By 2024, the total contribution to Kin Wellness & Support Center had surpassed $20,000. But for Peters, the real measure of success isn’t just dollars—it’s the community that’s been built around a shared commitment to supporting local families facing cancer.

“The rapid organization was intense, but seeing all those like-minded women with big hearts gather to support our local community—that collective spirit was my biggest ‘pinch me moment,'” Peters recalls of that first event.

This Year’s Focus: The Power of Self-Care

The 2025 summit’s keynote speaker, Megan Weisheipl, brings a message that resonates particularly well with busy moms and business owners juggling multiple responsibilities. As a mindset and business coach and author of “The Selfish Hour,” Weish advocates for the radical idea that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s essential for our ability to care for others.

It’s a message that aligns perfectly with Peters’ own philosophy, shaped by her personal experience with cancer in her family. Her father’s seven-year battle with Hodgkin’s disease during her formative years gave her “deep compassion for anyone struggling with obstacles,” but also taught her the importance of sustainable support systems.

Building Something Bigger in Bucks County

What makes this year’s summit particularly exciting is the broader vision taking shape. Keith Fenimore from Kin Wellness & Support Center is developing plans for a for-profit health and wellness center with amenities like a swimming pool and juice bar. The revenue from memberships and services would fund the nonprofit Kin indefinitely—creating a sustainable model for long-term community support.

“It’s about creating sustainable impact,” Peters explains. “We’re building something that will support cancer patients and their families for years to come.”

For those of us who’ve watched local businesses and nonprofits struggle to maintain funding year after year, this approach offers real hope. Instead of relying solely on annual fundraising cycles, the model creates ongoing revenue that can weather economic ups and downs while providing consistent support to families when they need it most.

The Local Connection

What strikes me most about the summit’s evolution is how it reflects the best of our Bucks County community. We’re a region where small businesses thrive because neighbors support neighbors, where women lift each other up, and where people understand that individual success means nothing without community wellbeing.

The summit brings together women from a multitude of backgrounds—some who own their own businesses, others who play integral roles in larger organizations, and many who simply want to be inspired about their future work. What unites them is a recognition that business success and community impact go hand in hand.

The sip-and-shop component at Peddler’s Village, focusing on women-owned stores, exemplifies this philosophy. It’s not just networking—it’s actively supporting the local economy while building relationships that extend far beyond a single evening.

Looking Ahead: Get Involved

This summit offers both inspiration and practical support. The intimate setting at the Black Bass Hotel & Restaurant promises deeper conversations, stronger connections, and the kind of meaningful networking that actually moves the needle for local businesses and causes. With Weisheipl’s expertise in mindset and sustainable success, attendees will leave with tools they can use immediately. Most importantly, every ticket sold continues building that sustainable support system for local families facing cancer.

For more information about the Bucks County Women in Business Summit or to support Kin Wellness & Support Center, visit welcometokin.org.

---

Photos courtesy of Kin Wellness & Support Center. This story supports the Bucks County Parent Community. Collaborate with us.