The 100+ Women Who Care–Los Alamos Steering Committee includes clockwise from top left, Ellen Specter, Diana Martinez, Janet Lovato, Carol A. Clark, Angie Bratton and Jen Wetteland. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Since its founding in August of 2015, 100+ Women Who Care–Los Alamos has gathered generous local women together for quarterly philanthropic dinners, to listen to the needs of three non-profits centered in Los Alamos, and to select one nonprofit to receive their donations.
Our quarterly sponsors make these dinners and donations possible and Enterprise Bank & Trust has supported these efforts as an annual sponsor since the very beginning.
“The 100+ Women Who Care–Los Alamos are such a committed group of amazing women who understand that together, we can make a substantial difference in people’s lives,” Enterprise Bank & Trust Los Alamos Region President Liddie Martinez said. “Our partnership strengthens our community.”
Angie Bratton, myself Carol A. Clark, Janet Lovato, Diana Martinez, Ellen Specter and Jennifer Wettland comprise the Steering Committee for the 100+ Women Who Care–Los Alamos and we are very grateful to for such generous and long term sponsorship.
Clark said: “From the day we started the organization nearly 11 years ago we have been able to count on Liddie Martinez and her bank’s generosity and for that we are very grateful. It is such a joy to serve on the steering committee and participate in these wonderful quarterly events knowing our collective efforts are enhancing our community.”
Bratton explained what led her to become a part of 100+ Women Who Care–Los Alamos.
“I was excited to hear about the founding of 100+ Women Who Care through the Los Alamos Daily Post 11 years ago,” Bratton said. “Learning more about our community and its nonprofits and having a chance to support local philanthropy in a fun relaxed environment resonated with me. I volunteered for the steering committee to become more involved in this group of wonderful women who care for each other and their neighbors.”
The organization has grown to more than 200 members and has granted out nearly $90,000 to benefit a dozen different local organizations. These women are helping better the lives of folks in the community with a simple and enjoyable approach to collecting contributions for local nonprofits without the time-consuming effort associated with fundraising.
This is how it works:
Upon arrival each woman spends a little time chatting with old friends and making some new friends–and enjoying some delicious food.
At 6 p.m. three of the nominated non-profits are randomly selected and there is a five-minute presentation from each of the three organizations; the group votes, and the collected funds are awarded to the winning organization.
Why Would You Join 100 Women Who Care?
You are VERY busy! No time to volunteer but you want to help those in need, and you can commit to one hour every three months;
You want to meet other Women Who Care in Los Alamos.
You want 100 percent of your donations to go directly to a local non-profit; and want to see your donation combined with other donations to make a profound impact.
The organization is open to any woman who works or lives in Los Alamos. Come and make a wonderful difference in your community. The 100+ Women of Los Alamos is always looking for additional members, and our next gathering is the perfect time to join. Please plan on attending and bringing a friend (or three).
The next 100+ Women Who Care-Los Alamos quarterly philanthropic dinner is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 6 with location to be announced. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to email their RSVP to WomenWhoCareLosAlamos@outlook.com.
Local nonprofits that have not already applied to participate must meet qualifications and submit a simple 2-question application for future consideration. Emailed applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
The Los Alamos Community Foundation serves as the fiscal agent for the 100+ Women Who Care-Los Alamos volunteer organizers.