More than 100 women donated $100 each and made a difference for the Stettler and District Handibus Society.
Stettler held its first 100 Women event on April —- with 148 women attending raising $14,800 for a local non-profit. Christy Brennan, Brenda Esquirol and Kendra Duff organized the event.
“It is a great way to have an immediate, direct and positive impact on our community,” said Brennan. “The concept is to keep things very simple; no executive, no association bank accounts, no presidents or treasurers, no regular board meetings, no politics.”
The event only requires one-hour time commitment twice a year.
“We wanted to offer an option for people who may not otherwise donate or volunteer in the community or who just want to do more.
“There are lots of women out there that want to give back but just don’t have the time or the opportunity,” added Brennan. “This is a fantastic way to get involved with minimal time commitment.”
During the fundraiser registration forms were completed at the door. Three charities were nominated ahead of time and invited to give a five-minute presentation followed by a question and answer period.
The three charities chosen were the Association of Communities Against Abuse, the Stettler and District Crisis Aid Program and the Stettler and District Handibus Society.
Each registered member was given a ballot, including those that registered by proxy, and a vote was taken.
“The charity with the most votes received all the money,” said Brennan.
Another 100 Women fundraiser is expected in September. Stettler held a 100 Men event in December with a second one scheduled for June.
Brennan said the concept has been around for a number of years worldwide.
“It is known for being a UN organization so not easy to track where it originated.”