Somewhere in the periphery of my life, I’d heard about 100 Women Who Care. But I don’t remember ever speaking to anyone about it, or fully knowing how it helped charities.
Now, my sister-in-law is a co-founder of a new London chapter of this organization. The first meeting was on Tuesday night. With me above is my pal and fellow voice-over professional Rachel, who also joined.
The concept is based on simple math. Karen Dunigan founded 100 Women Who Care almost twenty years ago*. A realtor and and former Mayor of Jackson, Michigan, Karen saw a way to make an immediate impact on charities. Now, there are hundreds of chapters of 100 Women across North America.
How it Works
Members gather four times a year. Meetings are strictly held to one hour. Representatives from two local charities make five minute pitches to members. After the pitches and some Q and A, members vote. Whichever charity gets the most votes, receives $100 from each attendee – a potential total of $10,000 in one night.
If you’re like me, you donate here and there, in dribs and drabs. Donate to clothing drives. This isn’t necessarily a replacement for any of that. This concept simply delivers a bigger impact, all at once. It’s a beautiful thing. The charity that isn’t chosen can reapply. For them, it’s awareness and maybe even some donations. It’s not something everyone can do, either. But I was thrilled to learn more than sixty women registered for that first night. Pretty impressive.
There are several chapters of 100 Women in the GTA. As a registered member, you deliver your donation online in the moment. Or, if for some reason you can’t attend, make your donation within three days of the event. It isn’t for networking. It’s mission-focused. It’s empowering. And it feels as if your $100 has more value.
Charity Begins at Home
We chose to donate to 519 Pursuit. A woman from the small but mighty London outreach organization shared her story of becoming homeless. These kind people earned her trust and got her off the streets. She wasn’t put into an institutionalized setting. It was about empathy and love. Tears streamed down my cheeks as she described the joy of now living in her own apartment, safe and secure. To have a job she loved. Finally feeling worthy. It was powerful.
My SIL has a gigantic heart and a giving nature. I’m proud of her for everything she and her co-founder have put into creating the London area group. If you’re interested, visit 100 Women Who Care or 100 Women Who Care London. Charity representatives can also learn how to nominate their organizations. Everybody wins.
*I was sad to learn that the founder died 11 years ago, at age 61. But what a legacy she left for us.
I didn’t know this was a thing! In St. Thomas there is something called 100 people who care and a group of us women who own businesses did a spin off called 100 Women who care in 2019, and we sold 100 tickets to an event for early 2020 where female owned businesses could present their business and why they needed $10k to expand or scale. It was sold out and was going to be amazing. Stupid pandemic ruined it, everyone was refunded and we never attempted it again, sadly. This brings back that excitement though of women helping women. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad we’re both in this! 🙂 (Stupid pandemic!)
Lisa,
Thank you for telling us about this wonderful charity. I didn’t know that it even existed. I just joined.
Without your blog it wouldn’t have happened.