100 WWC surpass $300,000 in lifetime donations

100 Women Who Care - Polk/Burnett recently held their February quarterly meeting via online vote. Due to many members leaving the area for warmer climates during the winter months, the decrease in daylight hours, and the potential for poor weather and driving conditions the group voted to forgo the in-person meeting for February. Instead, members had the opportunity to review written presentations from four area non-profit groups explaining their missions, needs, and what they would do with the donation if they were selected to receive it. Members voted online for the group they deemed most deserving, ultimately choosing to award $10,000 to the first place winner, Caring Hearts Thrift Shop & Burnett Co. Food Pantry, an organization whose missions is "to work together with local agencies in helping low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency within their communities.” The organization will use our donated funds to employ workers with disabilities, purchase food for the pantry, upgrade a freezer, and contribute towards a small elevator to get a second pantry location started. The organization that received the second most votes was the Burnett Youth Hockey Association, which provides youth hockey programs for area school districts and seeks to educate people in the fundamentals and enjoyment of hockey, to promote sportsmanship and teamwork, and to instill in players the value of being coached, having good listening skills and good work habits during practices and games. They will use the $1,600 donation to support their "Save Our Rink" campaign to purchase a new chiller system.

100 Women Who Care - Polk/Burnett meets quarterly, on the second Wednesday evening of February, May, August, and November. Their next meeting, scheduled for May 14, 2025, will be held at the Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren. If you are interested in joining the group or would like to submit an application to present, please visit www.100wwc-pb.weebly.com or send an inquiry to [email protected]. You can also “Like” the group on Facebook at “100 Women Who Care - Polk/Burnett” for information on upcoming meetings and donations made.

100 Women Who Care - Polk/Burnett continues to grow and thrive, welcoming new members each quarter. Their lifetime donation total currently stands at $300,200! They are continually grateful to their loyal members and the community businesses who support the group.