One year ago, a new philanthropic initiative was kicking off in Barton County. The group called “100 People Who Care” launched in February 2017 modeled after other groups like it that exist around the country. The original goal for the group was to recruit at least 100 members who each contribute $100, raising over $10,000 at each quarterly giving meeting. “Fortunately, we have seen a huge response in the last year, and are now increasing our goals to make an even bigger impact in 2018,” said Julie Mazouch, chairperson for the group’s volunteer steering committee. “We are hoping to have over 150 members before the end of this year, which would help us raise $15,000 at each meeting.”
The next meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, in the Courtyard at the Best Western Angus Inn, 2920 10th St. At each meeting, members hear three brief presentations from charities that were nominated at the prior meeting. After the three presentations, members get to vote on which charity should win the donations. Then they get to nominate the charities that will present at the following quarter’s meeting. With the group’s membership over 110 people as of this month, it is anticipated that the winning charity will receive approximately $11,000 on Feb. 6.
Charities who were nominated to present this quarter are the Golden Belt Humane Society, the Community Food Bank of Barton County and the Great Bend Zoological Society. Only members are permitted to vote or nominate charities, but anyone interested in learning more is welcome to attend a meeting and check it out.
Learn more online at www.100bartoncounty.org and on Facebook.