Whirlpool Brand Business Grant Recognizes Innovative Moms

Whirlpool Brand Business Grant Recognizes Innovative Moms

Sep 23, 2008

The 2008 Whirlpool brand Mother of Invention program is awarding more than $40,000 to five mompreneurs to help jump-start their businesses.



The Mother of Invention Grant program helps moms bring their innovative ideas to fruition with monetary resources and key business lessons. With a commitment to eco-efficiency, the brand added a green category in 2008 to recognize moms who created an environmentally-friendly product/service or used natural/recycled materials to create their invention.



This year's grand prize winner is Estelle Keeter, an ordained pastor from Matteson, Ill. who developed MEDPACK, a temperature-controlled case for medicines. MEDPACK's insulated case contains a cooling mechanism that keeps oral medications, such an insulin and antibiotics, refrigerated for up to 12 hours. Keeter received a $20,000 business grant to help her execute plans for her invention.



As a diabetic, Keeter uses insulin to control her diabetes and often had to use bulky lunch packs to keep her medication cold. Keeter, who also is an elementary school teacher, watched as her students would struggle to put their medication in the school cafeteria refrigerator as well as putting her own medication in the teacher's lounge refrigerator. Often, she wished she was able to have a little more privacy. As a result, Keeter created MEDPACK, which keeps her medication cold from the comfort of her briefcase or purse.



In addition to the grant, Keeter will receive choice of a Whirlpool Duet Steam washer and dryer pair or Whirlpool Cabrio washer and steam dryer, a Whirlpool dishwasher and a $3,000 stipend for a new home office. Keeter and four additional winners will have the opportunity to attend a Whirlpool business boot camp at Whirlpool headquarters in Benton Harbor, Mich., since the program was based off Whirlpool Corporation's innovation process. The bootcamp will include a tour of Whirlpool facilities and product labs, and a roundtable discussion with Whirlpool innovation experts and this year's guest judges.



Additional awards and winners include:

Traditional Category

First Prize: $7,000 grant, Whirlpool brand dishwasher and Duet Sport laundry pair

Cameo McGraw-Horton of Bothell, Wash. created improvements to a pet leash which offers flexibility for owners and added safety for animals when walking a pet.

Second Prize: $5,000 grant, a Whirlpool brand dishwasher and Duet Sport laundry pair

Veletta Rouse of Riviera Beach, Fla. created a product to help those with a cleft lip and palate.

Green Category

First Prize: $7,000 grant, Whirlpool brand refrigerator with water filtration

Catherine Kay of Silver Spring, Md. created a product to help with potty training.

Second Prize: $5,000 grant and a Whirlpool brand refrigerator with water filtration

Erika Berry of Ada, Mich. created the CleanyBeany. The product will be made of recyclable materials and is a container to fit on a dog's leash and to hold money, refuse bags and wipes, in addition to a flashlight for safety.

Back to Latest Headlines