Four years ago, a new philanthropic group was launched in Barton County known as “100 People Who Care.” The model for the project isn’t new, as groups like this one exist in almost all 50 states and in many countries around the world. But on Feb. 7, 2017, the first-ever giving meeting was held in Barton County, and Almost Home Inc. was voted the winning charity for over $10,000 in donations. Since then, the group has raised approximately $120,000 in donations for non-profits in Barton County at quarterly meetings of the members.
“We modeled this group off similar groups located in other parts of the country, because of the fun and effective way they were making a big difference but with a small time commitment,” said committee chair Julie Mazouch. “Since then, we’ve seen some incredible stories from local charities and helped fund some amazing projects that might not have happened otherwise. We are pretty proud of that, and we hope the public will be just as excited as we celebrate next week!”
The first quarterly meeting for 2020 will feature special recognition for local charities as well as an Anniversary Celebration and some special incentive drawings. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard in Great Bend. The locally owned hotel generously donates the use of its meeting space for the group’s quarterly meetings, which take place on the second Tuesdays of February, May, August, and November. The three charities nominated by the membership to present at this meeting include the Golden Belt Humane Society, the Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village, and the Salvation Army.
People attending will have an opportunity to observe the giving process, partake of special anniversary cupcakes and refreshments, meet local charities in the area and, if they choose to join, will be given a chance to win a Rock Haven Spa experience in a special new members’ drawing. Another Rock Haven Spa experience will be drawn among the current members who attend the meeting as well.
Because the group operates entirely with volunteers, and the checks are written directly to the 501(c)3 organization, there are no administrative expenses that take away from the nonprofit organizations’ donations. Whichever charity wins the majority vote earns 100% of the tax deductible gifts.
Anyone interested in learning more or joining the group should visit www.100bartoncounty.org, or make plans to attend the Feb. 11 event. The group is also on Facebook. The meetings are open to guests, but only members are permitted to vote or nominate charities. There are no fees to join, other than the commitment that members will attend four times per year and donate $100 at each meeting. Donations are made directly to the winning charity, so 100% of the donations made go directly to supporting the important work being done by the chosen nonprofit organization.
