Oh, what an hour we had at this year’s 100+ Women Who Care! How exciting it was to have over 100 women with a heart for giving and wanting to give back to the community register for this year’s hybrid event. During a time of great need, this was an impactful opportunity for these women to help their community.
On May 11th, OCF Executive Director Dana Bensinger hosted the event with over 100 women attending in person at the Ellison Place and 50 attending virtually, watching the event live-streamed by Datema Media on YouTube.
“This year we were excited to be together in person, while offering those who wanted to stay home and watch the option to attend virtually. We also wanted this year to be a little different for the nominated nonprofits. We offered them the opportunity to have a display table to help tell their stories to attendees, both before and after the structed hour-long event. We heard from both those who attended and the nonprofits that they enjoyed this new enhancement to the event,” noted Karin Beyer, OCF Community Liaison.
After presentations from four nonprofits, two grant recipients were announced: The Karing Home Youth Project was awarded $5,000, and the New Life Pregnancy Resource Canter received $2,500. The other half of the monies raised went into the Community Fund to support the needs of tomorrow.
All four of the organizations that presented are valuable nonprofits that make tremendous differences in the lives of those who live in our community. By supporting the Community Fund with the other $7,500 raised at the event, the group of women in attendance capitalized on opportunities and sponsored innovative solutions. Established almost 25 years ago, the Community Fund is a permanent charitable resource that grows through giving. When funds are added to the endowment, the needs of our community are met today and for years to come.
“So often we hear women say they wish they had more time, more money, more opportunity to offer. 100+ Women Who Care breaks down those barriers, and each member has a gratifying experience knowing they have truly made a difference in the community they love. And with the Community Fund component, that difference isn’t just today or tomorrow, but forever. That’s powerful,” said Dana Bensinger, OCF Executive Director.
A HUGE shoutout to our 100+ Women Who Care ambassadors: Tabitha Pardo, Liz Forreider, Toni Straughen, Janet Nowicki, Tabatha Simpson, Taylar Sides, Heather Appold, and Mary Tomaski. Mark you calendars for the 2022 event on May 10th.
The Otsego Community Foundation and the 100+ Women Who Care Ambassadors would also like to thank Premier Sponsor – Edwards Jones, Promotional Sponsor – Treetops Resort, and Friend Sponsor – Northland Area Federal Credit Union, for sponsoring this year’s event, along with Otsego Grand Event Center for donating the linens. This event is 100% expense-free because of your generosity.
The mission of the Otsego Community Foundation is to activate generosity for a strong community. To learn more about giving to an existing endowment or creating a new endowment fund, call 989-731-0597 or go to www.otsegofoundation.org.