The need was overbearing, but the solution was simple. New mothers needed portable cribs in Jackson, Michigan, but the $10,000 price tag was astronomical. Karen Dunigan saw it as an opportunity. Get 100 women in one room, fund the cost together and leave with a remarkable sense of community and accomplishment. And so began the first alliance of 100 Women Who Care.
For Suzanne Wexler, who participated in 100 Women Who Care in Chicago, volunteering was second nature. When she landed here in Douglas County right before the pandemic, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work.
“My mom always volunteered, so it was in my bones,” she says. “I wanted to be a good role model for my children and always encouraged them to participate, as they were able.”
She continues, “Somebody was running a sack lunch program out of Denver, and I recruited my neighbors. There was so much food insecurity at the beginning of the pandemic, especially for the kids who didn’t have the school lunches.” Once the sack lunch program stopped, she and her volunteers continued packing lunches for the Help and Hope Center and have donated over 50,000 lunches to date!
Wanting to do more, Suzanne realized there wasn’t an alliance for 100 Women Who Care in Douglas County. She realized the astounding number of nonprofits that could benefit within the county, and knew she could find women willing to help.
“We started the group in 2023,” Suzanne states proudly. “We started with about 70 members, and now we’re coming up on our third anniversary, and we have about 190 members.” In fact, their 3rd anniversary coincides with their next meeting on May 4th.
“So the gist is, you get 100 women in a room together once a quarter,” Suzanne explains. “We give you a free dinner at our meetings. We have three women who make a presentation on their selected charity, and they have five minutes to present the charity and three minutes for Q&A. After they are all done, we will vote by secret ballot to decide which nonprofit we want to fund as a group that evening.” Once a charity is selected, every woman in the room writes a $100 check.
Member Vanessa Petsuch exclaims, “We help children, animals, marginalized populations, domestic violence survivors, you name it. What a way to leave your mark of love on a well-deserved cause!”
For anyone who is a member of 100 Women Who Care and couldn’t make the meeting, Suzanne sends an email the next day with the selected charity, and payments can be made to her then.
“Two or three weeks later, we schedule a big check presentation,” Suzanne explains. “And we walk into the organization, and we’re the only ones who know exactly how much is being donated.” Since the group has grown, the $10,000 mark has consistently been surpassed, with room for further growth.
“We have so many board members and executives of nonprofit organizations who are members of our group,” Suzanne says. “Two of them have gotten up and spoken on behalf of other organizations. It’s so great to see them supporting each other.
Karen Swanson had the opportunity to showcase two charities that were near and dear to her at the quarterly meetings, and noted, “When a non-profit is selected, you can see the joy and gratitude they have for our group. We are making a positive impact on our community and all of our members.”
The most recent meeting, held on February 2nd, selected The Happy Crew located in Lone Tree, which supports youth mental health. Some previously chosen charities are The Backpack Society, Peppers Senior Dog Sanctuary, Secor Cares and The Aspen Effect. Nonprofit organizations are all vetted, and some share presentations due to personal connections, while others simply want to help.
“I love the opportunity to learn more about the smaller organizations that are making a big difference in our community, and knowing that 10K+ will help their impact is so rewarding,” says member Monika Nielsen.
Owner of Clothes Mentor Lone Tree, Carrie Lohr, adds, “I’m inspired by the opportunity to learn about local nonprofits, hear their stories and stand alongside others who genuinely care about strengthening our community.”
This phenomenal organization is about women supporting women while also investing in a local cause. Some ladies come straight from the gym, and others dress up for a night out. Either way, they show up to support local charities and offer that help on the spot.
“There's a feeling of momentum and purpose that compels me to attend each meeting,” says member Leslie Franklin. “It's empowering to be surrounded by so many interesting, talented women who care deeply about community and how we can make our world a better place.”
Registering as a member is easy and involves a simple online form sent directly to Suzanne. Members attend the quarterly meetings with a $400 annual investment, but if circumstances change, it’s no problem. The laid-back vibe of 100 Women Who Care makes it easy to love the organization and lend a hand when members can.
Joyce Jappelle, a member since the organization’s inception, says, “The impact of $100 per member each quarter multiplies quickly, enabling organizations to grow/increase services and ensure each member knows she makes a difference. I am honored to be part of a group of women who believe compassion, generosity and support are intertwined.”