No time to give? Join these 100+ Women!

In the last four years, 100+ Women Who Care of Greater Venice have given $116,00 to local organizations. COURTESY PHOTOS

If you are someone who is thrilled by giving to a worthwhile cause but is just too busy or overcommitted to participate in any more charitable organizations, there is a special organization designed for people just like you.

It is called 100+ Women Who Care of Greater Venice, and it’s essentially the “speed dating” version of philanthropy.

One of the Greater Venice founding members, Beverly Widas, sums it up nicely when she explains, “It is the most simple way to give, without all the extras.”

The original 100 Women Who Care began as the brainchild of Karen Dunigand, who, in 2006, launched the first chapter in Jackson, Michigan. The rules were laid out and were very simple: (1) Any member could present a need in the community; (2) the need had to be immediate; and (3) the money had to remain local.

To date, there are more than 900 chapters in operation throughout the world.

The Greater Venice chapter has kept close to the original business model, and they are not joking when they say that it is a low commitment. Members nominate three organizations. These organizations give a swift, heartwarming presentation on why they need the funds and how they intend to use the money during a one-hour meeting. Members immediately take a vote, and one of those three organizations will walk out that day with a check totaling more than $17,000. During this meeting, the previous winning organization also gives an update on how the funds were utilized.

“It’s the easiest way to make a donation,” said Widas. “You walk out of there with such a good feeling. It’s instant gratification — 100% of the money goes directly to the organization. People make the check out to the organization. Some people write checks to other organizations as well. What I like is that it is helping one of the many, many service organizations in our area that half of us have never even heard of. At every meeting, there has been at least one organization that has had us in tears. They all fulfill a vital need.”

Simply put, it takes two hours and $200 annually to be a member. You get the satisfaction of choosing how the funds will be given, seeing the reaction when the winner is announced, and then writing a check—all on the same day. Bonus: you get a tax deduction as well for giving so generously. If you are feeling bad about the other two organizations, you should know they can be nominated again. In the last four years, the group has collectively given $116,000 to these area organizations: Backpack Angels, The Twig Venice, Operation Warrior Resolution, Teen Court of Sarasota, Venice Challenger Baseball, Kids Needs of Greater Englewood, and the Children’s Guardian Fund.

The group is actively seeking more members. While you just missed the meeting that occurred on April 3, the next meeting will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, so you’ve got plenty of time to plan to attend. Potential members can come to just sit through the process and learn more about how it works.

For more information, see 100womenwhocaregreatervenice.org .

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