WHO CARES? WOMEN IN EAU CLAIRE. Local women have raised thousands of dollars to support local nonprofit initiatives, strengthening the community one woman at a time. (Submitted photo)

In 2006, Karen Dunigan of Jackson, Michigan, saw a need for baby cribs in her community. She thought to ask 10 friends for $1,000 to donate cribs to those who needed them, but then thought asking 100 women for $100 would probably be a little bit easier. The initial 100 women raised $12,800 in less than an hour, and the alliance has grown to more than 650 operational chapters to date.

Pam Haller became aware of the program in other communities and saw an opportunity to help nonprofits in the Chippewa Valley. She hoped to have 100 women come to the first meeting, and 120 came.

Nonprofit applicants, who are nominated by members of the chapter, must serve Chippewa, Dunn, or Eau Claire counties and have 501(c)(3) status. Three applicants are chosen to attend each quarterly meetings to share background information on their organizations, the needs they have, and what they would do with donated funds. One nonprofit is chosen and presented with checks from the members – each written for $100. Currently, there are 200 women involved in the local chapter.

"As we strengthen the services offered, we strengthen the community."

Mickey Judkins, owner of Details on Water Street, has been a member since the Eau Claire chapter’s genesis in May 2018. “As we strengthen the services offered, we strengthen the community,” she said.

The chapter has proven to be an efficient and powerful way to raise funds in just one meeting; netting $20,000 to 30,000 at every gathering is a “game changing (amount of) money for many groups,” Judkins said.

The chapter has helped 12 nonprofits to date, but more importantly they have exposed the group to many more in the area.

“I’m in incredibly proud of the work this group has done,” Haller said. “This group of women reminds me if we come together and work as one for the betterment of our community, we will live in a community that we are proud to be a part of.”

Members are asked to commit to one year, comprising four total meetings, and donate $100 each meeting. One woman with $100 can make a small change, but  200 women with $100 each can make a significant change.

If you are interested in joining 100 Women Who Care, visit their Facebook page.