Chicago Tribune Article
NewsWhistle Website Interview
|
Looking for a Hundred (or More) People Who Care: Our Q & A with Laurie Richter
January 13, 2021 Read the article |
WGN Radio Interview
|
Our founder, Laurie Richter, along with the founder of the DuPage County chapter, Sally Wiarda, were interviewed on WGN Radio on December 21, 2018. They explain how 100 Women Who Care works and the benefits of this type of collective giving. Listen to the interview.
|
B Uneke Magazine
|
|
FORBES/ Investing
DEC 15, 2015
How 100 Women Are Making A Difference In Your Community
By Amanda Reaume
You might not have heard about them, but it’s likely there are 100 women who are making a difference in your community through the power of collective philanthropy. And while they’re providing crucial help to local charities, they’re also having a lot of fun.
In November 2006, Karen Dunigan, former mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, and a real estate agent, started the first 100 Women Who Care group. The concept was simple: One hundred women who cared about their community would meet four times a year. At each meeting, they would learn about three local charities, vote on which one to support, and every member would then donate $100 to the winning organization. The other charities could be nominated again at another meeting. At the end of the year, they would have raised at least $40,000 for their communities.
100 Women Who Care Hawkeye Chapter. Photo by Macy Marie Photography, Iowa City, Iowa.
In the past nine years, the impact of Dunigan’s idea has spread far beyond the Jackson community. More than 350 chapters of 100 Women Who Care are in operation around the world, including chapters in almost every major U.S. city.
It’s a legacy that has been touched by tragedy. Dunigan died of cancer in 2014, and her sisters, Jane Uhila and Patty Sete, wish she was here to witness the phenomenal growth of the last year.
“Karen showed us that action and caring for others goes hand in hand,” said Uhila. “It makes us so proud that so many people have taken her idea and share the joy of 100 Women Who Care in their communities.”
Making a Big Difference
Laurie Richter, a steering committee member of the alliance that connects the chapters, believes the clubs are successful because they focus on making significant local changes, so members can see the impact.
“There is so much good that happens under the radar screen in our communities, and the charities all need help,” she said.
Because the pooled resources turn into large donations, charity recipients are able to initiate more ambitious projects than would be possible with fewer funds. In Iowa City, the Hawkeyes Chapter of 100 Women Who Care recently gave a donation to the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is in an early stage of development.
Chapter member Margaret McCaffery recommended the organization. When her 14-year-old son, Patrick, was battling thyroid cancer, she saw a serious gap in services and treatment offered to teenagers.
“There isn’t a place for people that age in hospitals,” said McCaffery. “The activities on the children’s ward are geared more toward little kids.”
That’s why it meant so much for her to have her fellow members support the project. “I was crying after the chapter voted to support the AYA program because I was so touched by the contribution,” she said. “We’re lucky to live in a community where we have people who want to make a difference in this way.”
The support of 100 Women Who Care was crucial, said Sarah Russett, executive director of development at the Cancer Center. The donation will allow the organization to evaluate adolescent cancer programs around the country in order to design one that would be a good fit for their community.
The AYA program will provide a place where children over age 13 can go to play video games or spend time with other cancer patients their own age.
“They’ll be able to be together without feeling like they’re out of place,” said McCaffery.
Tailored to Busy Professional Women
The 100 Women concept is both fun and meaningful. It allows women to network with other professionals, learn about great things happening in their local communities, and feel like they’re making a difference.
“For many of us, a big part of the meetings is social,” said Richter. Women tend to arrive early and stay late to socialize. “Our meetings are modestly disguised girls’ nights out.”
Richter also believes that 100 Women Who Care clubs are ideal for busy professionals since “most people want to give back but don’t know which charity to donate to and don’t have the time to put a lot of effort into it,” she said. The meetings last only 90 minutes, and although some stay later, those who have to get home can do so.
Get Involved
The organization keeps a list of chapters around the world, making it easy to find and connect with groups anywhere.
Dunigan’s sisters, Sete and Uhila, are happy to see that other communities are benefiting from positive changes like the ones they’ve seen in Jackson and hope chapters continue to proliferate.
“Karen lives every time a new chapter starts,” Sete said. “We feel such joy and love that her caring ways have changed and touched so many people in a positive way.”
DEC 15, 2015
How 100 Women Are Making A Difference In Your Community
By Amanda Reaume
You might not have heard about them, but it’s likely there are 100 women who are making a difference in your community through the power of collective philanthropy. And while they’re providing crucial help to local charities, they’re also having a lot of fun.
In November 2006, Karen Dunigan, former mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, and a real estate agent, started the first 100 Women Who Care group. The concept was simple: One hundred women who cared about their community would meet four times a year. At each meeting, they would learn about three local charities, vote on which one to support, and every member would then donate $100 to the winning organization. The other charities could be nominated again at another meeting. At the end of the year, they would have raised at least $40,000 for their communities.
100 Women Who Care Hawkeye Chapter. Photo by Macy Marie Photography, Iowa City, Iowa.
In the past nine years, the impact of Dunigan’s idea has spread far beyond the Jackson community. More than 350 chapters of 100 Women Who Care are in operation around the world, including chapters in almost every major U.S. city.
It’s a legacy that has been touched by tragedy. Dunigan died of cancer in 2014, and her sisters, Jane Uhila and Patty Sete, wish she was here to witness the phenomenal growth of the last year.
“Karen showed us that action and caring for others goes hand in hand,” said Uhila. “It makes us so proud that so many people have taken her idea and share the joy of 100 Women Who Care in their communities.”
Making a Big Difference
Laurie Richter, a steering committee member of the alliance that connects the chapters, believes the clubs are successful because they focus on making significant local changes, so members can see the impact.
“There is so much good that happens under the radar screen in our communities, and the charities all need help,” she said.
Because the pooled resources turn into large donations, charity recipients are able to initiate more ambitious projects than would be possible with fewer funds. In Iowa City, the Hawkeyes Chapter of 100 Women Who Care recently gave a donation to the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is in an early stage of development.
Chapter member Margaret McCaffery recommended the organization. When her 14-year-old son, Patrick, was battling thyroid cancer, she saw a serious gap in services and treatment offered to teenagers.
“There isn’t a place for people that age in hospitals,” said McCaffery. “The activities on the children’s ward are geared more toward little kids.”
That’s why it meant so much for her to have her fellow members support the project. “I was crying after the chapter voted to support the AYA program because I was so touched by the contribution,” she said. “We’re lucky to live in a community where we have people who want to make a difference in this way.”
The support of 100 Women Who Care was crucial, said Sarah Russett, executive director of development at the Cancer Center. The donation will allow the organization to evaluate adolescent cancer programs around the country in order to design one that would be a good fit for their community.
The AYA program will provide a place where children over age 13 can go to play video games or spend time with other cancer patients their own age.
“They’ll be able to be together without feeling like they’re out of place,” said McCaffery.
Tailored to Busy Professional Women
The 100 Women concept is both fun and meaningful. It allows women to network with other professionals, learn about great things happening in their local communities, and feel like they’re making a difference.
“For many of us, a big part of the meetings is social,” said Richter. Women tend to arrive early and stay late to socialize. “Our meetings are modestly disguised girls’ nights out.”
Richter also believes that 100 Women Who Care clubs are ideal for busy professionals since “most people want to give back but don’t know which charity to donate to and don’t have the time to put a lot of effort into it,” she said. The meetings last only 90 minutes, and although some stay later, those who have to get home can do so.
Get Involved
The organization keeps a list of chapters around the world, making it easy to find and connect with groups anywhere.
Dunigan’s sisters, Sete and Uhila, are happy to see that other communities are benefiting from positive changes like the ones they’ve seen in Jackson and hope chapters continue to proliferate.
“Karen lives every time a new chapter starts,” Sete said. “We feel such joy and love that her caring ways have changed and touched so many people in a positive way.”
- Get more insights like this at Northwestern Mutual Insights & Ideas.
DAILY NORTH SHORE
100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago chapter awarded $13,200 to The House of Peace Domestic Violence Shelter.
Women Who Careby Katie Ford • June 26, 2015
On June 23, 2015, members of the 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicagochapter awarded $13,200 to The House of Peace Domestic Violence Shelter.
100 Women Who Care is an international alliance of independently run philanthropy groups that operates very efficiently to raise funding for worthy nonprofit organizations. More than 300 chapters have formed across the nation and the 42 chapters who recently convened for their first international conference have collectively granted $4.5 million since 2006.
The North Suburban Chicago chapter was formed in 2013 by Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire, with the help of Ada Kinscherff of Lincolnshire, Stacey Meyer of Deerfield, Andrea Friedlander of Deerfield, and Susan Elfant of Northbrook. The NSC chapter currently has more than 130 members and recently exceeded donations of $100,000.
100 Women Who Care meets four times per year. At each meeting, three nonprofit organizations are presented for consideration by chapter members. At the end of each meeting, the members vote and each donates $100 to the winning cause. In May, member Agnes Perozzi of Buffalo Grove presented The House of Peace, and members committed a total of $13,200 to the charity.
Founded in 2011, The House of Peace Shelter provides a secure and temporary six-month residency for women and children suffering from domestic violence in Northern Lake County. The shelter’s vision is to provide a safe haven for healing and to build a foundation for successful independence by facilitating transformation at the individual, family and community levels.
“The shelter is a community epicenter,” said Aida Segura, Director of The House of Peace. “Our job is to create opportunity and to show these women their potential.”
Since its founding, The House of Peace has provided shelter to 47 women and 79 children. Compassionate, culturally sensitive programs like individual and group counseling, multidisciplinary classes, meditation, and field trips allow the victims to recover their dignity and independence. Following their residency, the families are offered safe, affordable housing, job placement and follow-up care for up to a year.
“100 Women Who Care is all about women pooling their resources to help others,” said Laurie Richter. “We know that our donation to The House of Peace will make a significant difference in the lives of women and children and we are proud to support their efforts.”
For more information about The House of Peace Domestic Violence Shelter, visit www.houseofpeaceshelter.org or contact Aida Segura at 224-430-4977.
To learn more about 100 Women Who Care, please visit www.100WomenWhoCareNSC.com, or join them for their next meeting on August 11 at Philly G’s restaurant, 1252 Route 45, Vernon Hills. Registration begins at 6 p.m.
Press inquiries please contact 847-414-6619.
On June 23, 2015, members of the 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicagochapter awarded $13,200 to The House of Peace Domestic Violence Shelter.
100 Women Who Care is an international alliance of independently run philanthropy groups that operates very efficiently to raise funding for worthy nonprofit organizations. More than 300 chapters have formed across the nation and the 42 chapters who recently convened for their first international conference have collectively granted $4.5 million since 2006.
The North Suburban Chicago chapter was formed in 2013 by Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire, with the help of Ada Kinscherff of Lincolnshire, Stacey Meyer of Deerfield, Andrea Friedlander of Deerfield, and Susan Elfant of Northbrook. The NSC chapter currently has more than 130 members and recently exceeded donations of $100,000.
100 Women Who Care meets four times per year. At each meeting, three nonprofit organizations are presented for consideration by chapter members. At the end of each meeting, the members vote and each donates $100 to the winning cause. In May, member Agnes Perozzi of Buffalo Grove presented The House of Peace, and members committed a total of $13,200 to the charity.
Founded in 2011, The House of Peace Shelter provides a secure and temporary six-month residency for women and children suffering from domestic violence in Northern Lake County. The shelter’s vision is to provide a safe haven for healing and to build a foundation for successful independence by facilitating transformation at the individual, family and community levels.
“The shelter is a community epicenter,” said Aida Segura, Director of The House of Peace. “Our job is to create opportunity and to show these women their potential.”
Since its founding, The House of Peace has provided shelter to 47 women and 79 children. Compassionate, culturally sensitive programs like individual and group counseling, multidisciplinary classes, meditation, and field trips allow the victims to recover their dignity and independence. Following their residency, the families are offered safe, affordable housing, job placement and follow-up care for up to a year.
“100 Women Who Care is all about women pooling their resources to help others,” said Laurie Richter. “We know that our donation to The House of Peace will make a significant difference in the lives of women and children and we are proud to support their efforts.”
For more information about The House of Peace Domestic Violence Shelter, visit www.houseofpeaceshelter.org or contact Aida Segura at 224-430-4977.
To learn more about 100 Women Who Care, please visit www.100WomenWhoCareNSC.com, or join them for their next meeting on August 11 at Philly G’s restaurant, 1252 Route 45, Vernon Hills. Registration begins at 6 p.m.
Press inquiries please contact 847-414-6619.
From left to right: Debbie Block (Lake Forest), Aida Segura, Director of House of Peace, Laurie Richter, Stacey Meyer, Vanessa Vargas, Social Worker at House of Peace, Veronica Pantelis (Lake Forest), and Agnes Perozzi (Buffalo Grove). (Posted by RED Communications LLC, Community Contributor)
Village of Riverwoods
News
Orphans of the Storm Receives 100 Women Who Care AwardOrphans of the Storm was a proud recipient of the 100 Women Who Care award this past summer. If you haven’t heard about the 100 Women Who Care, you may be interested to know that it is a group of one hundred women strong who meet four times a year to make a collective impact on a local charity. Each member pledges $100 at each of the four meetings and when that gets combined with the donations of the other members, one collective donation of over $10,000 is created for a member-nominated charity during each meeting. The $10,000+ is to be put towards a project that will truly make a difference.
Orphans of the Storm has identified it’s project for the $11,800 award. Most Riverwoods residents do know of the shelter and it’s huge number of animals that are helped to a second chance in life each year, but what most are probably not aware is that seven acres of this shelter’s property have never been developed. This seven-acre wooded parcel is one of the largest untouched piece of woodland property remaining in the Village of Riverwoods. And here, among the beautiful old oaks, the groves of trillium and the native shrubs is where Orphans of the Storm plans to put the award dollars to work creating the Woodland Trails Project.
The Woodland Trails Project is a series of nature trails that will be created with the native trees and shrubs being saved, the invasives being removed, and beautiful nature trails contouring through the wooded space. Here volunteers will be able to get shelter dogs out of their kennels to enjoy the scents, fresh air and freedom to explore.
Our Village Forester, Chuck Stewart commented that once the buckthorn is removed, the dormant seed bank will explode.
Watch for updates on the woodland Trails Project, and also think about checking out the 100 Women Who Care (the north suburban chapter of course). Guests are always welcome. The meetings take place at Philly G’s in Vernon Hills. Learn more at www.100womenwhocarensc.com
Pioneer Press/Lincolnshire Review
100 Women Who Care Raises $11,450 In One Hour
Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire (from left) Deb Budnick, Kathy Goodman and Todd Budnick, all of Highland Park, and Sue Shinon, Executive Director of New Foundation Center | Photo courtesy of Ada Kinscherff of Lincolnshire
|
Facts 100 Women Who Care Benefiting: Northfield’s New Foundation Center Date: Jan. 29 Location: Philly G’s, Vernon Hills Attended: 75 Raised: $11,450 Website:100WomenWhoCareNSC.com |
Representatives from 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago arrived at the town hall meeting of New Foundation Center in Northfield on Jan. 29 armed with 128 individual donations totaling $11,450. They were making good on the idea behind 100 Women Who Care, which is to make a significant impact on a local charity with a collective donation raised in less than one hour. Seventy-five members of the group had met in November at Philly G’s restaurant in Vernon Hills and listened to three short presentations about three different nominated charities. At the end of the hour, the group voted to make their collective donation to New Foundation Center in Northfield. Group member Kathy Goodman of Highland Park made the presentation on behalf of New Foundation Center in Northfield. Goodman was thrilled that the group selected NFC, noting that “the gift will increase the support NFC can give to people who are experiencing mental illness and who are homeless or live unnecessarily in nursing homes.” Rick Corrado, president of NFC’s Board of Director’s, stated, “This level of support is very meaningful. The money will help New Foundation Center provide critical services to help individuals who are experiencing the symptoms of mental illness recover. This includes living in a safe environment, having clean housing, and finding gainful employment. We couldn’t make this happen without the help of 100 Women Who Care. We are incredibly grateful.” At the end of November’s meeting, the members also “passed the hat” for disaster aid for the Philippines and a second donation of $645 was collected. The two prior recipients of awards from 100 Women Who Care are Riverwoods-based College Bound Opportunities and Family Service of Lake and northern Cook counties. 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago was founded by Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire, with assistance from Susan Rubin Elfant of Northbrook, Andrea Friedlander of Deerfield, Ada Kinscherff of Lincolnshire and Stacey Meyer of Deerfield. The group meets quarterly to pick a local charity to support. For more information see 100WomenWhoCareNorthSuburbanChicago.com or contact Laurie Richter at (847) 826-0930. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13 at Philly G’s restaurant, 1252 Route 45, Vernon Hills. Registration and social hour starting at 6 p.m., meeting 7 to 8 p.m. New members are welcome! |
Pioneer Press/Lincolnshire Review
Local Group Commits To Charity, Minus The Time
By: Ronnie Wachter | [email protected] | @ronniewachter:
In The News
Two of the 100 Women Who Care NSC: Stacey Meyer of Deerfield (right) and Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire (second from left). 100 WWC present a model check for $9,500 to officials from College Bound Opportunities. At the inaugural meeting of the 100 Women (technically, 95 so far), the founders of the new club each donated $100 into a pool, then voted from among three non-profit candidates, choosing CBO as the receipient of their first grant. (Photo courtesy Laurie Richter) FACTS HOW TO CARE: The next meeting of 100 Women Who Care will be 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Cubby Bear North; at their last gathering, the group raised $9,700 for Family Service of Lake and northern Cook counties. Contact Richter at [email protected] for more information. The guys who care “10 Percent More” collected $5,610 for Best Futures, Inc. at their first meeting; their next will be Nov. 11 at Trax Tavern and Grill, 833 Deerfield Road in Deerfield; contact Mike Glickman at [email protected]. |
Two all-women and all-men charity groups, known as 100 Women Who Care and 100 Men Who Care 10 Percent More, are holding their quarterly meetings later this fall. Both are new: The ladies’ group held their second gathering on Aug. 13 at The Cubby Bear North in Lincolnshire, while the fellows held their inaugural meeting on Aug. 20. Both work on a principal that is uncommon in the philanthropy world: Give money to a cause without giving any time to it. Members of the ladies’ group pledge to donate $100 four times a year, once at each meeting, to a charity they choose through popular vote during that session; the gentlemen, as their name playfully attests, will donate $110 each to a non-profit of their own choice. The members do not organize fundraising runs or raffles, do not spend any time volunteering with their chosen agencies and have no overhead of their own to pay for — they are not organizations of any kind, just casual collections of locals looking for good causes to support. On the women’s side, the causes’ backgrounds are checked out by the club founder, Laurie Richter, who confirms each’s 501-c-3 charity status and that at least 75 percent of each’s budget is spent in Lake or northern Cook counties. Before the upcoming meeting of the 100 Women (there are actually 95 at the moment, so membership is still open), Richter spoke about how the North Suburban Chicago chapter of the loosely-connected, nationwide non-organization came to be. Q: How do you learn about a chain of clubs when they have no central administration. A: I was talking with a friend in the gym last year, and she told me about 100 Women Who Care. We found out that there wasn’t a chapter yet on the North Shore, so we decided to start one. Q: The model for most nonprofit fundraising is to give potential donors a feeling of accomplishment: “I just served a meal to a bum,” “I picked up trash in the forest this morning,” “I just ran a 5K,” “I just organized a 5K,” something tangible. You guys just get together and write checks, without seeing the work you’re deciding to support. How do you get people to give money away with, ostensibly, nothing in return? A: This is really simple. Most of my friends are always being asked, by everyone, to donate to this cause or that cause. One of the agreements charities have to make before we’ll consider them for donations is that they will never solicit our members individually, and will never sell our contact information to other groups. This gives us the chance to make a one-time donation to something we know is local and real. We don’t want people throwing money into Joe’s Basement Charity. You’re literally in and out of the room in an hour. It’s great for people who don’t have a lot of time to put in, but they want to do something. Q: So the men care 10 percent more… are you 100 Women Who Just Care? A: All our husbands were like “Yeah, that’s fun, have a good time honey.” And then, when they saw how much we raised in our first night, they were pretty surprised. |
100 Women Who Care award Family Service $9,700 Grant. Family Service Board and Staff join, front left to right, Julie Sampson of Family Service Board; Laurie Richter, President of 100 Women Who care North Suburban Chicago; and Paul Dean, Executive Director of Family Service for the presentation of a check for $9,700 to advance the work of the 83-year-old social service agency. | Submitted |
Check out the photo submitted to Northbrook Star of 100 Women Who Care awarding Family Service a grant for $9,700. Family Service Board and Staff join, front left to right, Julie Sampson of Family Service Board; Laurie Richter, President of 100 Women Who care North Suburban Chicago; and Paul Dean, Executive Director of Family Service for the presentation of a check for $9,700 to advance the work of the 83-year-old social service agency. |
The North Shore Weekend 09/28-09/29/13
100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago: Prevention, Education & Counseling NFP with an award of $9700 at Dickinson Hall this month. It is the second award the new charity-funding group has made since its founding this past May. Said Family Service Executive Director Paul Dean, "These women are giving back to help those most in need in their communities. Their support is an extraordinary gift in support of our work.
Highland Park & Deerfield
“100 Women Who Care” Awards Family Service $9,700 Grant
|
Posted by ghodges, Community Contributor3:08 p.m. CDT, September 13, 2013
On September 12, 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago presented Family Service: Prevention, Education & Counseling NFP with an award of $9,700. The presentation, held at Dickinson Hall in Lake Forest, is the second award the new charity-funding group has made since its founding this past May. “We’re delighted to honor Family Service with this award, which recognizes its important work for all in need in our local communities.” said Laurie Richter, president of 100 Women. In accepting the award, Family Service Executive Director Paul Dean thanked 100 Women for the generous grant and Family Service Board member Julie Sampson for bringing the agency’s mission to her 100 Women partners in philanthropy. He noted: “These 100 women who care about community are giving back to help those most in need in their communities. Their support is an extraordinary gift in support of our work.”
The local chapter of the national 100 Women Who Care organization, with members from north suburban communities such as Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Highland Park, and Deerfield, uses the “power of collective giving to make a difference” in its own north suburban Chicago communities. At quarterly meetings, members pick a 501 (c)(3) local charity to support. Any member of the group can nominate a local charity, and three members are chosen randomly to each make a five-minute meeting presentation in support of their nomination. Members then vote to choose a charity and each writes a check for $100, together creating a meaningful, five-figure donation to support the mission of the winning charity. At the next meeting, a representative of the winning charity speaks to the members about the impact their gift has made toward helping that charity fulfill its vision and goals. To learn more about the mission and work of 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago and to inquire about membership, please visit www.100WomenWhoCareNSC.com. The more members the group has, the greater the help the organization can provide for local charities.
Family Service is an 83-year-old social service agency founded in Highland Park in 1930 in response to the needs of area residents devastated by the Great Depression. Today, it serves residents in 62 communities across Lake and northern Cook Counties and responds to the needs of over 7,400 area residents of all ages. The agency provides professional counseling for all ages, senior and caregiver services, and Latino educational and support services. To learn more about Family Service, please visit www.famservice.org.
On September 12, 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago presented Family Service: Prevention, Education & Counseling NFP with an award of $9,700. The presentation, held at Dickinson Hall in Lake Forest, is the second award the new charity-funding group has made since its founding this past May. “We’re delighted to honor Family Service with this award, which recognizes its important work for all in need in our local communities.” said Laurie Richter, president of 100 Women. In accepting the award, Family Service Executive Director Paul Dean thanked 100 Women for the generous grant and Family Service Board member Julie Sampson for bringing the agency’s mission to her 100 Women partners in philanthropy. He noted: “These 100 women who care about community are giving back to help those most in need in their communities. Their support is an extraordinary gift in support of our work.”
The local chapter of the national 100 Women Who Care organization, with members from north suburban communities such as Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Highland Park, and Deerfield, uses the “power of collective giving to make a difference” in its own north suburban Chicago communities. At quarterly meetings, members pick a 501 (c)(3) local charity to support. Any member of the group can nominate a local charity, and three members are chosen randomly to each make a five-minute meeting presentation in support of their nomination. Members then vote to choose a charity and each writes a check for $100, together creating a meaningful, five-figure donation to support the mission of the winning charity. At the next meeting, a representative of the winning charity speaks to the members about the impact their gift has made toward helping that charity fulfill its vision and goals. To learn more about the mission and work of 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago and to inquire about membership, please visit www.100WomenWhoCareNSC.com. The more members the group has, the greater the help the organization can provide for local charities.
Family Service is an 83-year-old social service agency founded in Highland Park in 1930 in response to the needs of area residents devastated by the Great Depression. Today, it serves residents in 62 communities across Lake and northern Cook Counties and responds to the needs of over 7,400 area residents of all ages. The agency provides professional counseling for all ages, senior and caregiver services, and Latino educational and support services. To learn more about Family Service, please visit www.famservice.org.
Lincolnshire and Vernon Hills
Inaugural meeting of "100 Women Who Care" nets $9300 for College Bound Opportunities
By ANDREA FRIEDLANDER, Community Contributor2:28 p.m. CDT, June 11, 2013
On June 5, 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago proudly made its first award presentation to College Bound Opportunities.
100 Women Who Care is a new philanthropic organization in the northern suburbs designed to make a big impact on a local charity in just one hour. More than 75 women came to the group’s first meeting at Eddie Merlot's restaurant in Lincolnshire on May 14. In less than one hour, the group voted for CBO to be the recipient of its first award, and every member of the group wrote a check to CBO for $100. With additional checks from members who could not attend the meeting, the final total was $9,300.
CBO provides one-on-one mentoring and scholarships for high-achieving young people in the Deerfield, Highland Park and Lake Forest school districts who would likely forego post-secondary education without receiving the help and guidance provided by CBO.
100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago meets quarterly to pick a local charity to support. Any member of the group can nominate a qualified local charity. Three members are randomly selected at each meeting to make a five-minute presentation in support of their nomination. The group then votes and each member of the group writes a $100 check to the winning charity. The group was founded by Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire, with assistance from Susan Rubin Elfant of Northbrook, Andrea Friedlander of Deerfield, Ada Kinscherff of Lincolnshire, and Stacey Meyer of Deerfield. Although the meetings last just one hour, many members come early or stay late for a fun Girls’ Night Out at the hosting venue. For more information or to join, visit www.100womenwhocareNSC.com.
On June 5, 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago proudly made its first award presentation to College Bound Opportunities.
100 Women Who Care is a new philanthropic organization in the northern suburbs designed to make a big impact on a local charity in just one hour. More than 75 women came to the group’s first meeting at Eddie Merlot's restaurant in Lincolnshire on May 14. In less than one hour, the group voted for CBO to be the recipient of its first award, and every member of the group wrote a check to CBO for $100. With additional checks from members who could not attend the meeting, the final total was $9,300.
CBO provides one-on-one mentoring and scholarships for high-achieving young people in the Deerfield, Highland Park and Lake Forest school districts who would likely forego post-secondary education without receiving the help and guidance provided by CBO.
100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago meets quarterly to pick a local charity to support. Any member of the group can nominate a qualified local charity. Three members are randomly selected at each meeting to make a five-minute presentation in support of their nomination. The group then votes and each member of the group writes a $100 check to the winning charity. The group was founded by Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire, with assistance from Susan Rubin Elfant of Northbrook, Andrea Friedlander of Deerfield, Ada Kinscherff of Lincolnshire, and Stacey Meyer of Deerfield. Although the meetings last just one hour, many members come early or stay late for a fun Girls’ Night Out at the hosting venue. For more information or to join, visit www.100womenwhocareNSC.com.
NEW WOMEN’S GROUP RAISES $8,800 FOR COLLEGE BOUND OPPORTUNITIES
|
By ANDREA FRIEDLANDER, Community Contributor
10:05 a.m. CDT, May 23, 2013
At their inaugural meeting on May 14, 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago raised $8,800 for College Bound Opportunities.
The idea behind 100 Women Who Care is to make a big impact on a local charity in just one hour. More than 75 women came to the group’s first meeting at Eddie Merlot's restaurant in Lincolnshire. In less than one hour, the group listened to three five-minute presentations by members of the group who nominated a local charity to receive the group’s collective donation, voted for one of the charities, and then wrote individual $100 checks directly to the winning charity.
Group member Bonnie Shlensky of Deerfield made the presentation on behalf of College Bound Opportunities ("CBO"). CBO provides one-on-one mentoring and scholarships for high-achieving young people in the Deerfield, Highland Park and Lake Forest school districts who would likely forego post-secondary education without receiving CBO's additional support.
100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago was founded by Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire, with assistance from Susan Rubin Elfant of Northbrook, Andrea Friedlander of Deerfield, Ada Kinscherff of Lincolnshire, and Stacey Meyer of Deerfield. The group meets quarterly to pick a local charity to support. Any member of the group can nominate a qualified local charity, and three members are randomly selected at each meeting to make a presentation in support of their nomination. Although the meetings last just one hour, many members come early or stay late for a fun Girls’ Night Out at the hosting venue. For more information or to join, visit 100WomenWhoCareNorthSuburbanChicago.com.
100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago Raises $8,800 for Charity in Inaugural Meeting
5/23/2013
At their inaugural meeting on May 14, 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago raised $8,800 for College Bound Opportunities.
The idea behind 100 Women Who Care is to make a big impact on a local charity in just one hour. More than 75 women came to the group’s first meeting at Eddie Merlot's restaurant in Lincolnshire. In less than one hour, the group listened to three five-minute presentations by members of the group who nominated a local charity to receive the group’s collective donation, voted for one of the charities, and then wrote individual $100 checks directly to the winning charity.
Group member Bonnie Shlensky of Deerfield made the presentation on behalf of College Bound Opportunities ("CBO"). CBO provides one-on-one mentoring and scholarships for high-achieving young people in the Deerfield, Highland Park and Lake Forest school districts who would likely forego post-secondary education without receiving CBO's additional support.
100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago was founded by Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire, with assistance from Susan Rubin Elfant of Northbrook, Andrea Friedlander of Deerfield, Ada Kinscherff of Lincolnshire, and Stacey Meyer of Deerfield. The group meets quarterly to pick a local charity to support. Any member of the group can nominate a qualified local charity, and three members are randomly selected at each meeting to make a presentation in support of their nomination. Although the meetings last just one hour, many members come early or stay late for a fun Girls’ Night Out at the hosting venue. For more information or to join, visit 100WomenWhoCareNorthSuburbanChicago.com.
5/23/2013
At their inaugural meeting on May 14, 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago raised $8,800 for College Bound Opportunities.
The idea behind 100 Women Who Care is to make a big impact on a local charity in just one hour. More than 75 women came to the group’s first meeting at Eddie Merlot's restaurant in Lincolnshire. In less than one hour, the group listened to three five-minute presentations by members of the group who nominated a local charity to receive the group’s collective donation, voted for one of the charities, and then wrote individual $100 checks directly to the winning charity.
Group member Bonnie Shlensky of Deerfield made the presentation on behalf of College Bound Opportunities ("CBO"). CBO provides one-on-one mentoring and scholarships for high-achieving young people in the Deerfield, Highland Park and Lake Forest school districts who would likely forego post-secondary education without receiving CBO's additional support.
100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago was founded by Laurie Richter of Lincolnshire, with assistance from Susan Rubin Elfant of Northbrook, Andrea Friedlander of Deerfield, Ada Kinscherff of Lincolnshire, and Stacey Meyer of Deerfield. The group meets quarterly to pick a local charity to support. Any member of the group can nominate a qualified local charity, and three members are randomly selected at each meeting to make a presentation in support of their nomination. Although the meetings last just one hour, many members come early or stay late for a fun Girls’ Night Out at the hosting venue. For more information or to join, visit 100WomenWhoCareNorthSuburbanChicago.com.
The North suburbs will soon be home to a chapter of "100 Women Who Care," a unique philanthropic concept that has chapters springing up all over the country. We recently had a chance to talk with Laurie Richter, the founder of this new local chapter.
Q: How did you come up with this idea?
A: I wish it was my idea but all I can take credit for is knowing a good idea when I hear it. It was started by a woman in Jackson, Mich. who was asked to raise funds for a project to buy baby beds. In her own words, "I knew I could help. I knew I could raise the money but, I was tired, I didn't want to organize a fundraiser and have meetings and everything that goes with it. I just didn't have the time. I knew that, with my friends help, we had to know at least 100 women in the community that could afford to write a check for $100 each to reach the goal of $10,000." They got 128 women together and in an hour, they had raised $12,800 for their project. This simple idea gave birth to 100 Women Who Care.
Q: How does it work?
A: Basically, 100 or more women get together four times per year. Any member can nominate a local charity and three nominations are randomly chosen. The nominating members give five minute presentations on their charity, the group votes on which charity to support, and then each woman immediately writes a $100 check to the winning charity. This results in an instantaneous collective donation to the charity that is substantial enough to make a real impact.
Q: Why did you decide to start this?
A: I met a woman who worked for a homeless shelter in Michigan that was about to close because of a lack of funding, and her local chapter of 100 Women Who Care came through and saved the shelter. But the amazing part of the story is that they did it in an hour. I ran a church fundraiser for several years, so I know how much time and effort these activities usually take. I was fascinated by this more business-oriented approach to fundraising.
Q: In what ways is it a business-oriented approach?
A: It's a simple but elegant solution to the challenges of fundraising. First of all, it's very respectful of members' time and money. They are only asked to commit one hour and $100, four times a year. Yet at the end of that hour, the group will collectively raise more than $10,000 for a charity, once the group reaches 100 members. That's a tremendous outcome with minimal input. More businesses should be run this way. Second, the members are truly empowered. Those of us in the founding group are really just organizers. The membership determines which charities to pursue and each person has an equal vote in the outcome. Third is accountability. Each meeting starts with a short presentation by the recipient of the last meeting's award, who is tasked with telling us how the money was or will be spent. How often have you made a donation to an organization and actually found out what happened with it? And finally, the meetings, themselves, present our members with a terrific networking opportunity. Established chapters have told us to always have these meetings in a venue which lends itself to socializing because many of the women will come before and stay after to mingle.
Q: How can someone get more information or join the group?
A: Our inaugural meeting is at 7 p.m. on May 14 at Eddie Merlot's in Lincolnshire.
Everyone is welcome. For more information, please contact [email protected], or visit our website www.100WomenWhoCareNorthSuburbanChicago.com.
• Every Monday we cover small business topics. If you have news, contact Kim Mikus at [email protected].
Q: How did you come up with this idea?
A: I wish it was my idea but all I can take credit for is knowing a good idea when I hear it. It was started by a woman in Jackson, Mich. who was asked to raise funds for a project to buy baby beds. In her own words, "I knew I could help. I knew I could raise the money but, I was tired, I didn't want to organize a fundraiser and have meetings and everything that goes with it. I just didn't have the time. I knew that, with my friends help, we had to know at least 100 women in the community that could afford to write a check for $100 each to reach the goal of $10,000." They got 128 women together and in an hour, they had raised $12,800 for their project. This simple idea gave birth to 100 Women Who Care.
Q: How does it work?
A: Basically, 100 or more women get together four times per year. Any member can nominate a local charity and three nominations are randomly chosen. The nominating members give five minute presentations on their charity, the group votes on which charity to support, and then each woman immediately writes a $100 check to the winning charity. This results in an instantaneous collective donation to the charity that is substantial enough to make a real impact.
Q: Why did you decide to start this?
A: I met a woman who worked for a homeless shelter in Michigan that was about to close because of a lack of funding, and her local chapter of 100 Women Who Care came through and saved the shelter. But the amazing part of the story is that they did it in an hour. I ran a church fundraiser for several years, so I know how much time and effort these activities usually take. I was fascinated by this more business-oriented approach to fundraising.
Q: In what ways is it a business-oriented approach?
A: It's a simple but elegant solution to the challenges of fundraising. First of all, it's very respectful of members' time and money. They are only asked to commit one hour and $100, four times a year. Yet at the end of that hour, the group will collectively raise more than $10,000 for a charity, once the group reaches 100 members. That's a tremendous outcome with minimal input. More businesses should be run this way. Second, the members are truly empowered. Those of us in the founding group are really just organizers. The membership determines which charities to pursue and each person has an equal vote in the outcome. Third is accountability. Each meeting starts with a short presentation by the recipient of the last meeting's award, who is tasked with telling us how the money was or will be spent. How often have you made a donation to an organization and actually found out what happened with it? And finally, the meetings, themselves, present our members with a terrific networking opportunity. Established chapters have told us to always have these meetings in a venue which lends itself to socializing because many of the women will come before and stay after to mingle.
Q: How can someone get more information or join the group?
A: Our inaugural meeting is at 7 p.m. on May 14 at Eddie Merlot's in Lincolnshire.
Everyone is welcome. For more information, please contact [email protected], or visit our website www.100WomenWhoCareNorthSuburbanChicago.com.
• Every Monday we cover small business topics. If you have news, contact Kim Mikus at [email protected].