Since their inception in 2016, 100 Women Who Care Conejo Valley has donated more than $200,000 to support the Conejo Valley—proving that even a small commitment can create a big difference.
“Our goal is to support our local charities and the work that they do in funds, exposure and awareness in a minimal amount of time,” says Founder Kara DeMelfi.
“Our uniqueness lies in the simplicity of our model,” she continues. “We meet for just one hour, once a quarter, yet together we make a significant impact on our local community.”
How does it work?
“Our members have the opportunity to nominate organizations they are passionate about and give a short presentation to share the organization’s mission, the work they’re doing in our community and how our donations would directly support their efforts,” Kara explains.
Each member commits to donating $100 per quarter—or more, if they wish.
“The organization that receives the most votes becomes that quarter's recipient, with all donations going directly to them.”
Each year, 100 Women Who Care Conejo Valley supports four organizations.
“In the past, we’ve supported incredible local groups like Healthier Tech, Conejo Community Outreach, Cancer Support Community, Harbor House, Bumblebee Foundation, Art Trek, The Mark and Jacob Foster Care Ministry, Conejo Schools Foundation-Hero-Up and Big Brothers Big Sisters—just to name a few,” Kara emphasizes.
The first chapter of 100 Women Who Care was founded in Jackson, Michigan, by the late Karen Dunigan, who always considered 100 Women Who Care to be one of her greatest ideas, which came to her serendipitously during a fundraising meeting with leadership from the Center for Family Health. Karen learned that local mothers were bringing their babies home and putting them to sleep in boxes and dresser drawers because they couldn’t afford cribs, leading to the death of the infant in some cases.
Rather than seek a few large donors to meet the $10,000 goal for the project, Karen realized she easily knew 100 women who would be willing to donate $100. At their first meeting, the women raised over $12,000 for the project, and 100 Women Who Care was born. Today, there are more than 350 chapters in the 100 Who Care Alliance, including chapters of 100 Kids Who Care and 100 Men Who Care.
Over the years, 100 Women Who Care Conejo Valley has proudly supported nearly 30 local organizations, making a meaningful impact in the community. Their donations have funded a wide range of initiatives, including the following:
- Providing thousands of diapers to families in need
- Supplying eyeglasses for underprivileged youth
- Educating families about the harmful effects of digital media addiction
- Supporting families facing cancer diagnoses
- Housing, feeding and clothing foster youth
- Feeding the homeless
- Providing portable emergency kits to local schools
- Offering bullying prevention education
“We’re incredibly proud of the difference we've made together,” Kara says.
For those who would like to get involved, fill out an online application at https://www.100womenwhocareconejo.com/join.
“Once you sign up, you’ll be added to our outreach list and notified about upcoming meetings,” Kara says. “Our meetings are generously hosted at Holdren's Steak & Seafood in Newbury Park at the end of January, April, July and October each year. We’d love to see you there!”
“Our goal is to support our local charities and the work that they do in funds, exposure and awareness in a minimal amount of time."