AROUND TOWN: 100+ Women Who Care raises $500,000 for local nonprofits

Since 2012, hundreds of area women have enjoyed quarterly social gatherings that have made a difference for nonprofits — a $500,000+ difference. 100+ Women Who Care is fondly called speed philanthropy. They passed the $500,000 mark at their October event and, as co-founder Jackie Gunn said, “You did it in 48 hours and 48 fun events over the past 12 years!” Members commit to a one-hour meeting and $100 once every three months; that’s four hours and $400 in donations every year.

Meetings are 5:30 p.m. on the third Wednesdays of January, April, July and October.



Charities receive 100% of the donations. The meeting begins with a cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres at The Warehouse, followed by educational presentations from members nominating nonprofits, one of which will immediately receive a check in the $15,000 range. The October recipient, voted by members, was Mission Medical Center, described by the nominating member: “Since 2004, Mission Medical Center has been a beacon of hope for the uninsured, underinsured, and low-income members of the Pikes Peak Community.

They offer an array of services including primary care, behavioral health, as well as vision and dental care.” Members also learned from Laura McKernan, executive director of The Justice Center, how the group’s July donation of $14,700 had provided free legal advice and representation for a large number of clients. Gunn shared anniversary information about 100+ Women Who Care Colorado Springs, which followed the format of the first group in 2006 in Michigan.

In 2012, she, Mari Sinton Martinez, Betsy Sobral and Kirsten Hillstrom started the first Colorado chapter with 100 women. The first donation went to TESSA for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The chapter is run by a volunteer Steering Committee and has local sponsors.

Serving along with Gunn as the Steering Committee are Val Sievers, Deb Hood, Barbara Harris, Deborah Layne, Amberly Brown and Jae Sanders. “Our goal at 100+WWCCS is to give where we live,” Gunn said. “We are making Colorado Springs a better place to live.

By pooling our resources and giving collectively we make a big impact,” she said. “Our mission is to connect caring women, educate ourselves on local nonprofits and collectively give!” More information at 100WWCCS.com .

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