100+ Women Who Care in Hamilton County, Indiana (“Women Who Care”), kicked off its inaugural year by raising $3,100 for Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development (HAND). The concept began from the international organization 100 Who Care Alliance in 2006 when founder Karen Dunigan in Jackson, Mich., asked for help by trying to get cribs to needy mothers. She invited 100 women to a meeting and asked if they each could donate $100. Within the hour, they raised more than the $10,000 goal. The first 100 Women Who Care chapter was born.
“We are thrilled to be selected as the winning charity from Women Who Care,” said Jennifer Miller, executive director of HAND. “This donation will allow us to install a commercial-grade play set at our upcoming Home Place Gardens development south of Carmel. Two of the 10 units will be occupied by families who have survived violence. The other eight are reserved for seniors. There’s a great need for transitional and long-term housing for these survivors, who all too often return to their abusers when they can’t afford to live independently. Home Place Gardens is a $2.4 million development along 106th Street east of College Avenue. Construction of these units is expected to begin next month.”
Founded in January 2017 by Hamilton County residents Mary Beth Woehrle, Dana Randall and Carolyn Deines, Women Who Care is one of about 500 chapters that raises funds for community organizations. During the organization’s quarterly meetings, members hear three presentations on local non-profits in need. Members vote on their favorite organization and subsequently donate $100 which goes directly to the chosen non-profit. “It’s great to give $20 on up to a group you feel inclined to donate. But as I began hearing about this Women Who Care concept and talking to friends and community supporters, the more it felt like our calling and an attainable goal to reach 100+ women during our ongoing conversations of interest and excitement,” said Mary Beth Woehrle, co-founder, Women Who Care. “What a difference $10,000+ in donations each quarter could make to non-profits all throughout Hamilton County.” All money raised will support 501(c)(3) designated organizations and must be located within Hamilton County.
HAND will present at the next Women Who Care meeting in November to provide results on how the donation was spent.
About Women Who Care
Women Who Care looks to increase their membership and help more non-profits within the community. To become a member with Women Who Care or to learn more, email your interest to womenwhocarehamiltoncountyin@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/100WomenWhoCareHamiltonCountyIN. Women Who Care is organized and operated entirely by volunteers. 100 percent of funds go directly to the chosen non-profit. Member commitment includes an annual membership that involves four quarterly meetings, or vote can be taken via proxy. The meetings for the 2017-2018 year are held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, Feb. 15 and May 16 at the Noblesville Event Center.