100 Who Care -Ellis County
100 Who Care-Ellis County will hold its next quarterly giving event on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:00 p.m., bringing local members together to hear from three Ellis County nonprofits and collectively make an immediate impact through grassroots philanthropy.
The October event will mark an exciting milestone for the growing giving circle: 100 Who Care-Ellis County has now contributed more than $22,000 directly to Ellis County nonprofits since the chapter was established.
The continued growth of the organization has also led to a change in meeting location. Beginning with the October event, 100 Who Care will meet at the Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury Drive in Hays.
“We are excited to have grown to the point that we have outgrown our meeting space,” said Brandy Ridgway, founder and local director of 100 Who Care – Ellis County. “It’s a pretty wonderful problem to have. We are incredibly grateful to Grow Hays for allowing us to use the beautiful Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center at no cost to our group.”
The organization previously held its quarterly meetings at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, which played an important role in the chapter's beginnings.
“In many ways, we grew up at the Sternberg,” Ridgway said. “It was where our giving circle found its home, where we gathered around tables, heard the stories of local organizations and began turning $100 gifts into meaningful support for our community.”
As 100 Who Care moves into its next chapter, the organization is encouraging members and community supporters to help the Sternberg Museum continue its work. Donations can be made through the Fort Hays State University Foundation at:
October Nonprofit Presenters
Three local organizations will present at the October giving event:
- Friends of Recovery Association / Oxford House Chapter XX
- Habitat for Humanity
- Jana’s Campaign
Each organization will share information about its mission, the people it serves and how a collective contribution from the 100 Who Care giving circle could make a meaningful difference.
The group will also hear from the Community Assistance Center, recipient of the previous quarter's giving event.
100 Who Care meetings are designed to be simple and accessible. Members gather for approximately one hour, hear presentations from three local nonprofits and vote to select one organization to receive the collective contribution. The model allows individual members to make a relatively small $100 contribution while, together, creating a significant local impact.
New online giving option
100 Who Care – Ellis County is also introducing an online payment option for members who prefer to give electronically. A small convenience fee will be included with online payments to help support the 100 Who Care Alliance - Local giving reimagined and the resources that support chapters throughout the organization.
Cash and checks will continue to be accepted. Members who cannot attend the October event may also drop off their contribution at Ridgway's office, located at Wayne Voss State Farm Insurance in the Northridge Plaza.
Following the October event, members will receive information about the selected nonprofit and a link for those who would like to contribute electronically.
Community support makes the difference
The continued growth of 100 Who Care – Ellis County has been made possible in part through support from local sponsors, including:
POPt Gourmet Popcorn
A&A Coors
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Grow Hays / Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center
Stem Harvest / Tree Top Security
Wayne Voss State Farm Insurance
FHSU Leadership Programs
“The support of our local sponsors means so much,” Ridgway said. “Their investment helps us gather, grow and continue putting dollars directly into the hands of organizations serving Ellis County.”
100 Who Care–Ellis County welcomes community members to attend the October 20 event and encourages current members to invite someone new to experience the giving circle.
“What started with a small idea has grown into a giving circle that has already given more than $22,000 to Ellis County nonprofits—and we’re just getting started,” Ridgway said. “You’re part of this story. Let’s write the next chapter together.”
For more information about 100 Who Care – Ellis County, contact Brandy Ridgway at 100whocare.ellis@gmail.com or visit the website at 100 Who Care Ellis County.
About 100 Who Care – Ellis County
100 Who Care – Ellis County is a local grassroots giving circle that brings community members together to support Ellis County nonprofits. Members meet quarterly to hear presentations from local organizations, vote on a recipient and collectively provide meaningful financial support to a nonprofit serving the community.