Before COVID hit, two local women, Ann Sampson and Amanda Friedl, were excited to bring the opportunity of a lifetime for families in need to Eagle Grove. Having seen another community successfully organize and promote a National organization called “100+ Women Who Care,” they were inspired to get a group going in Eagle Grove, too.
How many times have you said to yourself, “I wish there was something I could do to help them,” about a neighbor, family member, or a complete stranger you knew who was going through hard times? How many of us have said, “If only I would win the lottery, there are so many people I could help financially?” While statistics show that the chances of winning the Powerball are 1 in 292,201,338…the odds of being able to make a big difference in the lives of local families facing financial hardships for a variety of reasons is much, much more likely by joining the “100+ Women Who Care.” The idea is that 100 women (or teams of two women who pledge to donate $50 each) pledge a total of $100 quarterly each year. As they idea spread around town via word-of-mouth, there seemed to be a lot of enthusiasm. Then COVID hit, and put a halt on everything!
Now that things are finally getting back to normal, there is a greater need than ever. Many families faced financial hardships not being able to work during COVID, or laid off because their businesses were not open during this time. That’s why Sampson, Friedl, and Angie Anderson who has joined them as a leader, are hoping even more women will want to get involved and join them at their upcoming meeting on Wednesday, July 21 at Nine and Dine (golf course) with 5:30 p.m. optional supper and the meeting from 6 – 7 p.m.
Just think, if they get 100 women come and make the pledge, that $10,000 that will make a huge difference in the lives of a local family. But But don’t worry, if 100 women don’t show up, that’s okay. Sampson, Friedl, and and Anderson realize it might take a little time for the club to build. But if even only 50 women show up the first time, that’s still $5,000. Just think how that money could make a difference to someone.
The “100+ Women Who Care” concept is not unique to Eagle Grove, in fact, it was begun in 2006 by a woman in Michigan, who by using this concept, raised $13,000 in less than an hour for a local cause. Since then, the concept has exploded and there are now literally hundreds of Chapters around the United States…and one is coming to Eagle Grove starting this Wednesday. Women of all ages, beliefs, and interests are invited to attend this no obligation kick-off to find out how you can be a part of a big movement if you so choose.
During Eagle Grove’s meeting this Wednesday, Friedl and Sampson will explain how the logistics of the group will work, but basically, for each $100, a contributor can nominate a family for the money to go to. All names will be thrown into a hot and there will be three names drawn at random live on the spot. From there, the nominators will have a few minutes to explain why the family is in need of the donation. Members who contribute $100 (so one vote per team if they each contribute $50) will then vote for one of those three who they would like the money to go to. While the women enjoy some social time, the votes will be counted and a family will receive an amazing phone call that night to come and collect the contribution.
“It’s pretty amazing…and there are a lot of tears at the end,” Sampson said when they first started organizing an Eagle Grove Chapter before COVID.
It truly is a way for one small act of kindness to have a huge impact in a “Pay it forward” kind of way.
“This we can do, and it will make a big difference in our town,” said Friedl.
If any of you men are reading this article…Yes, this is a “women’s only” group, but they encourage you to start a “100+ Mens” Chapter…there are even kids’ Chapters of this amazing organization.
At each of their quarterly meetings, the “100+ Women Who Care” of Eagle Grove will also focus on one service project. Members will be invited, but not required, to bring along an extra donation to support an Eagle Grove organization of the quarter….for example canned goods for the food pantry or dog food for the Humane Society…whatever the organization might be. They will be specified before each meeting so members know in advance.
For more information before the meeting, or if you are unable to attend but are still interested in getting involved, Friedl and Sampson ask you to visit their Facebook page – 100 Women Who Care Eagle Grove. You may also email them at – 100wwceg@gmail.com.
If you are unable to attend the meeting(s), please don’t let that discourage you from joining this group. Snowbirds, alumni who live out-of-state, and other interested individuals may also mail-in their contributions each quarter.
