100+WWC Celebrates 5 years: $28,000 awarded in July 2023 Giving Event

$461,000 in giving to 53 Door County nonprofits in 21 giving events! 

Door County, Wis. (July 26, 2023) – Stormy skies, unexpected and intermittent rain did not deter the 100+ Women Who Care Door County (100+WWC) Giving Circle from its philanthropic impact. In all conditions, this group of resolute women demonstrates the Giving Circle’s motto of “Do Good, Feel Good, Gather, Have Fun with 100+WWC!”

At the July 17th Giving Event, the group celebrated 5 years of giving. This Giving Circle has grown to 389 givers (individuals and teams) and has awarded over $461,000 to 53 Door County nonprofit organizations. Past nonprofit award recipients and community leaders joined the 100+WWC members to toast the group’s impact on Door County.

Bret Bicoy, Door County Community Foundation President and CEO, observed “100+WWC have done a masterful job introducing an incredibly broad spectrum of nonprofits to people who might not otherwise know much, if anything, about them. Previous recipients shared with me how they have picked up new volunteers and new donors because of their affiliation with the 100+WWC. Whatever the amount on that giant check, your impact is several times greater. 100+WWC truly are connecting people who care with causes that matter!”

Three nonprofits: Newport Wilderness Society, Peninsula Symphonic Band, and Open Door Bird Sanctuary (ODBS) discussed their organizations and initiatives. Open Door Bird Sanctuary was the recipient of the main award of $14,000. Newport Wilderness Society and Peninsula Symphonic Band will also each receive approximately $7,000. A total of $28,000 was awarded in one hour.

Rob Hults, ODBS Executive Director, expressed gratitude: “For a small organization like ODBS, a donation from 100+WWC is a true blessing in so many ways. We, like many other nonprofits, work hard to maintain our general operating budget. Receiving such a significant donation allows us to budget for projects that would be otherwise out of reach.”

Hults continued: “Working or volunteering for a nonprofit is something I recommend to everyone. The critical importance of nonprofits in the county can be overlooked unless you are inside the group. These organizations have such a positive impact on the quality of life for everyone in Door County.

Thanks to the generous support of 100+WWC and all who feel environmental education is a critical part of our future. The wonderful blend of culture, family, and nature is what makes DC so special.”

Gene Kenney of the Newport Wilderness Society agreed that “Working for the Newport Wilderness Society is enjoyable and rewarding. Every project we take on has a positive impact on the community. Expanding accessibility to the beauty of our Fern Trail will benefit everyone who visits the park.”

Helping the community celebrate 5 years of giving, Jason Palmer, Director of the Peninsula Symphonic Band declared, “I am well aware of all of the amazing work that 100+WWC has done in its first 5 years. I can’t wait to see what you do in the next 5. Thank you so much for supporting our volunteers’ work and scholarship program.”

DC Partnership for Children and Families represented by Rebecca Nicholson, Community Connector, was the returning award recipient and updated the group on its services and results from the July 2022 100+WWC gift.

The nonprofits to be considered for the next quarterly award were randomly drawn from member nominations. These nonprofit organizations are: Little Eddie Big Cup/Mental Awareness Fund, Lakeshore CAP Food Pantry, and Sunshine Resources. The 100+WWC members that nominated these nonprofits and nonprofit representatives will present a summary of their nonprofit and answer questions at the next 100+WWC Giving Event on October 23, 2023 via LiveStream or in Person at the Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St, Egg Harbor.

To join this exciting group of local women and help make an even bigger local impact, visit 100wwcDoorCounty.org.