Gratitude abounds. Margaret Mead, an American cultural anthropologist, once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” Raising more than $100,000 in three years, 100+ Women Who Care Columbus is among those committed citizens. Twice a year, members donate $100 each and then gather (in person or virtually) to select and fund a charity that is doing work locally to make a difference. One hundred percent of the members’ donations go to the chosen charity so that a true impact can be made in our community. In fact, the cumulative donation is called the “Impact Award” and the amount varies in each gathering based on the number of members who have given their $100 donation.
In the past three years, every dollar donated has been put back into our community to help the homeless, feed the hungry, and meet the needs of our community.
While I am grateful to be one of 100+ Women Who Care, gratitude abounds for the real heroes in our community— those who are doing the actual work to make Columbus and Lowndes County a better place to live and thrive. The diverse organizations doing the work are numerous. At each giving cycle gathering, we’ve learned something new about the good work being done in our community, and it is astonishing. Those who have received the Impact Award so far merely scratch the surface of this work, and the past recipients are: The GTR Homeless Coalition; The Forge Foundation; Safe Haven; Loaves and Fishes; Columbus Lowndes Humane Society; and The Father’s Child Ministry.
I anticipate that we could gather for the next 100 years, and there will still be work to do. There will still be needs to meet. There will still be charitable organizations that are making a difference. And most importantly, there will still be a small group of committed citizens who are engaged and willing to give. Our hope is that the membership will continue to grow, and together we will find ways to change the world.
All thoughtful and committed citizens are invited to join. Membership is open to all, and you can find out more information at www.100wwccolumbus.org.
Karen Clay, 100+ Women Who Care Columbus
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 24 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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