When I was asked to join 100 Women Who Care of Columbus (100 WWC) in the spring of 2019, I didn’t realize the power of the organization I was joining. Beth Imes and Jamie Davidson, two longstanding community members of Columbus, began researching the history and operations of the 100 Who Care Alliance, which has over 650 chapters all over the world. Because of the purpose and simplicity of the organization, Beth and Jamie thought a local chapter of 100 Women Who Care would provide a powerful mechanism to bring positive changes to Columbus. The idea of people coming together to support local philanthropic and nonprofit organizations could only lend itself to endless positive possibilities. So, in early 2019, Beth and Jamie called on several other women in the community to join forces, and in April of 2019, close to 100 women in Columbus answered the call to support this community. 100 WWC of Columbus now has close to 200 members, ages 21 to 101, with diverse views and a singular focus of strengthening this community. The group initiated the, “Impact Awards,” which are given each fall and spring to local nonprofit organizations.
Since its inception in spring of 2019, our organization has given $63,800 to local nonprofit organizations. The Impact Awards have been given to the Golden Triangle Homeless Coalition, The Forge Foundation, Loaves and Fishes, and The Humane Society. This spring, members nominated 17 community organizations to receive the Impact Award. Because all the organizations are worthy of support, three nominees were randomly selected as finalists. The organizations selected for this spring are: Excel by 5 of Columbus/Lowndes County, Father’s Child Ministry, and Safe Haven. On March 23, each 100WWC member who nominated these finalists, will present an overview about the organization’s purpose and its work. 100WWC members will then vote to determine which organization will receive the 2021 Spring Impact Award.
Being a part of 100 WWC of Columbus has given me hope, inspiration, and a greater knowledge of and appreciation for the outstanding nonprofit groups who are doing wonderful things to strengthen our community. I believe that strong communities build strong people, strong schools, strong partnerships, and strong business and industries. As with any organization, we are looking for individuals who share our desire to make our community stronger. If you would like to be a part of 100 Women Who Care of Columbus, please contact us at the www.100wwccolumbusms.org, or if you are interested in forming your own chapter of 100 Kids Who Care or 100 Men Who Care, please visit the 100 Who Care Alliance for more information.
Suzanne M. Bean
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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