Lift Up the Ladies Campaign Returns to Support Anna Marie’s Alliance

(KNSI) – Jules’ Bistro owner Donella Westphal is once again rallying the St. Cloud community to support survivors of domestic violence by making sure they have something comfortable to wear.

Lift Up the Ladies returns for its eighth year this March, but the campaign looks a little different than it did in years past. After six years of collecting new bras for residents of Anna Marie’s Alliance, the campaign shifted its focus last year to loungewear, and they’re continuing that effort in 2026.

Westphal told KNSI the idea for the event grew out of a conversation with her team shortly after she bought the bistro eight years ago. “At that time, Anna Marie’s said one of the things that most of the women who come to our shelter need are brand new bras. And then last year, because we had such an amazing collection of bras in all shapes and sizes, we decided to turn in a different direction.”

Throughout March, Jules’ Bistro is collecting brand new sweatshirts, sweatpants, leggings, and other comfortable clothing in both adult and children’s sizes. Cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues are also welcome, as Anna Marie’s Alliance recently transitioned to apartment-style living spaces and those everyday essentials are in high demand.

Donating is also a ticket to a free night out. Every Monday in March from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., anyone who brings a loungewear donation to Jules’ Bistro at 921 West St. Germain Street in downtown St. Cloud gets free food and drinks for the evening, including cocktails from Dillon’s Small Batch Gin & Vodka, provided by Bernick’s, and a hands-on crostini-building experience. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. “It is so simple. Just show up with a donation, hang out, have great conversation, and eat and drink,” Westphal said.

Can’t make it on a Monday? Donations can be dropped off at Jules’ Bistro any time during the month.

The campaign is backed by more than a dozen local businesses, including Advantage 1 Insurance, Bernick’s, InteleCONNECT, Intelligent Wireless Management, J.F. Kruse Jewelers, Landwehr Tax, Motor Works Auto Repair, Ms. Melinda’s Dance, Next Monday, Premier Real Estate Services, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, St. Cloud Floral, Toepfer at Law, and Waymaker Brands.

Anna Marie’s Alliance provides shelter, advocacy, and support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Central Minnesota. For more information about Jules’ Bistro and Lift Up the Ladies, click here.

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