More than 30 local women gathered at Alderbrook Clubhouse in Union on Thursday for the inaugural meeting of IMPACT Mason County 100 Women Who Care, raising $3,400 in just one hour for the Humane Society of Mason County. An additional $1,220 in donations was also contributed by supporters who were unable to attend, bringing the total raised to $4,620.
The event format was a one hour gathering with one featured nonprofit. Each attendee donated $100, demonstrating the power of collective giving to make an immediate impact on a local nonprofit organization.
Katherine Johnson, executive director of the Humane Society of Mason County, shared with the attendees how her organization’s growing team is expanding services to support pet owners through foster programs, affordable pet care, and efforts to improve animal health and population control throughout Mason County. She thanked IMPACT Mason County for choosing her organization for the inaugural giving event. “The entire purpose of starting this fundraising group is to shine a spotlight on the incredible work our local nonprofits are doing while bringing women together for friendship, networking, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through collective giving,“ said Katie Arnold, one of IMPACT Mason County’s steering committee members. Arnold founded the Mason County chapter alongside Kristin Masteller, Deidre Peterson, Sheila Corson, and Brandy Milroy after seeing the success of similar groups in neighboring communities.
“Other chapters have steadily grown their membership, secured matching donors, and are making donations of $10,000 or more at each event,” Arnold said. “Our goal is to grow the Mason County chapter to that level so we can continue helping local nonprofit organizations advance their missions and strengthen our community.”
Following the success of its first event, IMPACT Mason County plans to host its second gathering this fall at a future location to be announced later this summer. Attendees voted to select Turning Pointe as the next featured nonprofit. Women interested in attending the next event or learning more about the group’s collective giving efforts can follow IMPACT Mason County 100 Women Who Care on Facebook for updates and event information.