June 2025
This quarter, we selected Clarke County Special Olympics, raising $5,550 to support student athletes! CCSO is organized through the Clarke County School District and managed by Julie Evans. Thanks to Ellen Ritchey for her nomination!
March 2025
To kick off our 10th year (!), we raised $6,450 for Support for Immigrant Families in Crisis, which is an initiative of the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition. This organization supports local immigrant families with limited access to other resources. Thanks to Terry Thompson for her nomination, to Stephanie Paladino for sharing information about the organization, and to all who participated this quarter.
December 2024
This quarter, we selected the Friends of Advantage Clarke County Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) program and delivered $5,050 to support their programming. This organization works with individuals to help them live more independently and reach their full potential. Thanks to Susie Smith for her nomination and to all of our member participants!
September 2024
This quarter, we chose Encourage H.E.R. Academy and raised $5,500 locally. From their website:
“At the heart of our work is the belief that every girl is a powerful force for change. With H.E.R. standing for Hope, Empowerment, and Resilience, Encourage H.E.R Academy strives to develop leaders who excel across all facets of life—academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and economically—preparing them to make lasting, positive impacts on their communities and the world.”
Thank you to Brittany Siewe for your nomination!
June 2024
Our second-quarter recipient is the BEE Club, Inc. This organization is a peer leadership group for teen girls. From their website: “The organization was founded in 2013 with 100 girls at Westlake High School in Fulton County. Today, the organization has welcomed over 400 girls in Atlanta and is now serving girls at Cedar Shoals High School in Athens, GA.” Our donations totaled $5,600 to help support the chapter here in Athens. 100 Women members Annice Ritter and Sherry Clouser delivered our checks to Akilah Blount, Founder and CEO of the BEE Club for Girls. Cedar Shoals staff members who work with the BEE Club members, Ms. Gay and Ms. Bolton, joined us to celebrate!
March 2024
This quarter, we selected the Young Designers Sewing Program. We raised $5,900 to support the program participants, young people in grades 4-12, as they learn “the art of sewing, as well as other skills that prepare them for the future such as social skills, etiquette, workplace readiness, basic business principles and practices, and much more.” Pictured are two program participants, 100 Women Members Sherry Clouser and Annice Ritter, and Sandra Bland, YDSP Treasurer.
December 2023
As we wrapped up our 9th year, we selected the Athens Community Career Academy. We raised $5,850 to support the development of a brand-new pathway in Biotechnology. Pictured are ACCA Chief Executive Officer Wesley Mellina, nominating member Myung Cogan, and Ilka McConnell, Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Director. Thanks to all of our members for participating this year!
September 2023
This quarter, we selected the Athens Wellness Clinic, formerly known as the Athens Nurses Clinic. This was our second round of donations for this organization, which provides “free evaluation, treatment, and education for acute and chronic medical and dental conditions to uninsured low-and-no income residents of Athens-Clarke County and the surrounding communities.” Pictured are Executive Director, Paige M. Cummings, and nominating member Terry Thompson.
June 2023
This quarter, 100+ Women Members Hattie Whitehead and Jane Nute accepted the Athens Area Community Foundation “big check” with our donations of $5,750 for Athens StepUp Scholarship Program! This great local non-profit, which Hattie founded, provides scholarships for students in need who are headed to college. We are proud to fund this organization for a second time. Thanks for all you do in our community, Hattie and Jane!
March 2023
This quarter, we selected Athens Parent Wellbeing to receive our donations, which came to $5,200. From their website: “Our mission is to promote the mental well-being of mothers and families throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period in the Athens area by providing education, resources and support.” Thank you to our member Amy Wraga for her nomination!
December 2022
We selected the Empty Stocking Fund to receive our donations this quarter. This program was pitched by member Susie Smith. From their website: “Funds raised through the Empty Stocking campaign are used to help families at risk of eviction pay rent and take care of many other necessary expenses, including medical, power and water bills.” We raised $6,921, and if our RMSFF Family Foundation application is accepted, our total impact for AADB will be over $10,300. Thanks to all of our members who participated this quarter!
September 2022
We selected the Athens Area Diaper Bank (again!) to receive our donations this quarter. AADB was pitched by Merryn Walker and the organization’s founder, Erin Campbell, both 100+ Women Who Care Athens members. The mission of the organization is “to eradicate diaper need by providing diapers to low-income families in the Athens area, while raising public awareness of diaper need and its impact.” We raised $6000, which will pay for 30,000 diapers! If our RMSFF Family Foundation application is accepted, our total impact for AADB will be $9,000. Thanks to all of our members who participated this quarter!
June 2022
We selected U-Lead Athens (again!) to receive our donations this quarter. U-Lead was pitched by the organization’s co-founder, JoBeth Allen, and U-Lead student, Edgar. The mission of the organization is “to enable college access for immigrant students and students from immigrant families.” JoBeth and Edgar were thrilled to hear that we raised our largest amount to date: $7,600! If our RMSFF Family Foundation application is accepted, our total impact for U-Lead will be $11,400. Thanks to all of our members who participated this quarter!
March 2022
This quarter, we selected the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement Teen Social Justice Club, nominated by our member Sarina Rousso. The Teen Social Justice Club is designed to cultivate future leaders, encourage community engagement, and build students’ self-confidence through travel, visual/performing arts, and mentorship. This program was developed as a part of the AADM initiative to End School to Prison Pipeline system, reduce juvenile dropout rates, and to provide moral support for Middle and High School students.”
We raised $5,750 locally and applied for the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation 50% match, bringing our total impact for this group to $8,825!
December 2021
This quarter, we selected Wheels of Hope Athens, nominated by our member Rebecca Miller. This organization “provides low-cost transportation and hope to people who are visually impaired, disabled, or who no longer drive because of age or health issues” serving Athens and surrounding communities. Pictured are Rebecca Miller, Wheels of Hope Chairman Joe James, founder Jamaica Miller, and executive director Marlene Koncewicz. We have also applied for a 50% match from the Richard M. Schulz Family Foundation. Thanks to all who participated this quarter.
We raised $6,200 locally, with a half match from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation making our impact for this group $9,300!
September 2021
This quarter, we selected The Backpack Project, Inc. Athens Chapter, nominated by our member Joan Curtis. The mission of this organization, which is run by UGA students, is to ease the burden of homelessness in our community. From their website: “We aim to engage with the Athens homeless population; host charitable volunteer programs based on service gaps identified in the community; raise money, help assemble, and distribute homeless care backpacks; and raise awareness about the causes of homelessness.” We raised $6,455 locally, with a half match from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation making our impact for this group just under $9,700!
We also reached another amazing milestone this quarter – our impact for the Athens Community just topped $150,000! It is my honor to thank every one of our members for your support.
June 2021
This quarter, we selected the Athens Area Homeless Shelter, nominated by our member Rachel Allen. The Athens Area Homeless Shelter “provides collaborative, comprehensive services to homeless individuals and families working toward sustainable independence.” Our members donated $6,500. Pictured are Shea Post, Executive Director of AAHS, and Rachel Allen. Adding the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s #ThePowerOf100 grant brought our total impact to $9,750. Thanks to all who participated!
March 2021
We chose AthFest Educates as our nonprofit this quarter. Once again, we bested our previous totals, raising $6,700! AthFest Educates is dedicated to sustaining and advancing music and arts education for youth in our community. Pictured on the right is Jill Helme, Executive Director of Athfest Educates. Jill is also one of our members and we are so glad she has taught us about this amazing organization.
December 2020
This quarter, we selected the Athens Area Diaper Bank. Pictured are Merryn Walker, Amy Wraga, and Erin Campbell, AADP founder. All three are members of 100+ Women Who Care Athens. We raised our largest total donation to date, $6,605! Adding the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s #ThePowerOf100 grant will bring our total impact to $9,900, our largest to date! We also hit a major milestone with this donation, raising just over $100,000 since we began in 2015. Adding the Schulze grants brings our total impact to $130,000!
September 2020
This quarter, we selected Athens Nurses Clinic. Pictured are member Christy Sinksen, who nominated ANC, and Paige M. Cummings, ANC Executive Director. We raised $6,400 this quarter to support their work in our community providing healthcare and medications at no cost. Adding the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s #ThePowerOf100 grant brought our total impact to $9,550, our largest to date!
June 2020
This quarter, we selected College Factory! Pictured are LaDiamond Lett, CF’s Year-long Americorps VISTA Member, and Tatyana McKnight, 2019-20 Coach (Volunteer) of the Year and Summer VISTA. They were so excited to learn that we raised $6,200 this quarter to support college planning for youth and families in our community. Adding the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s #ThePowerOf100 grant brought our total impact to $9,250. Thanks to our member Janet Martin for her nomination!
March 2020
To kick off our sixth year, we selected Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery. The historic Brooklyn Cemetery was established by the Bethlehem Cemetery Society in 1882. It is the final resting place for many African Americans from Athens and surrounding communities. “We honor their memory by restoring a serene dignity to this sacred ground, their final resting place.” Pictured is the group’s founder, Linda E. Davis, who was thrilled when she heard the total was $6,200! Adding the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s #ThePowerOf100 grant brought our total impact to $9,300, our largest to date! Many thanks to our member Kim Klonowski for her nomination!
December 2019
This quarter, we selected Bigger Vision of Athens. The mission of Bigger Vision is to provide a safe and comfortable place for those in homelessness in Athens, Georgia, as they navigate the path towards sustainable housing. Nominating members Ellen Ritchey and Debra Hess joined me for the last presentation of 2019, and for the first time, our donation total hit $6,000! With the half-match from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, that will bring our impact for this organization to $9,000! Thanks to all of our members for their contributions to reach this milestone, and for supporting Debra’s work at Bigger Vision of Athens!
This quarter, we selected the Athens Land Trust Young Urban Builders program. Member Mary O’Toole and I presented $5,550 to Heather Benham, Athens Land Trust Executive Director, and Fernakey Brown, Young Urban Builders Coordinator. The goals of the program include neighborhood revitalization and youth development. This organization is also eligible for a 50% matching grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, bringing our total impact this quarter to $8,325!! Thanks to Ashley Thompson from Athens Land Trust for taking the photo in front of a Young Urban Builders project home, and a special thanks to all of our members who make #ThePowerOf100 possible!
June 2019
This quarter, we selected the YWCO Summer Girls Club, an academic and recreational day camp for girls in and around Athens. The objective of the program is to offer girls experiences that foster academic success, character development, goals setting, making good decisions, good health and nutrition, and giving back to community. 100+ Women Who Care Athens member Rachel Allen nominated this organization and joined me to present $5,650 to Kitty Meyran, YWCO Executive Director, and some of this year’s campers. In addition to our donation, the YWCO is eligible for a 50% match from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation as part of the Power of 100 Women Who Care grants program.
This month’s donation, including the grant from RMSFF, brings our total impact in our community to $65,075. Thanks to all current and past members!
March 2019
In March, we chose the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation. The mission of this organization, founded in memory of a very special young woman, is to empower women who strive to better their lives through education and job training. 100+ Women Who Care Athens member Roberta Carrier joined me to present $5,150 to Kimberly Keegan and members of the Foundation’s Board. In addition to our donation, the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation received $2,500 from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation as part of the Power of 100 Women Who Care grants program. We are thrilled to participate in this program to increase the impact of our donations!
As we begin our fifth year supporting local nonprofits in the Athens area, this month’s donation, including the grant from RMSFF, brings our total impact to $56,600. Thanks to all current and past members!
December 2018
In December, we chose the Athens StepUp Scholarship Program. Our members Hattie Whitehead and Jane Nute nominated Athens StepUp, and also run the program! We raised $5,050 to provide scholarships for local students who are headed to college.
September 2018
In September, we chose Strong Girls Serve, and for the first time, we hit the $5,000 mark! This organization is “all about empowering girls from elementary school to high school through community service, team-building, and leadership activities.” Strong Girls Serve was nominated by 100+ Women Who Care Athens member Kim Klonowski who joined me to deliver checks to Strong Girls Serve co-founders, Rachel and Kim. Thanks also to Strong Girls Serve intern, Natalie, for taking our photo with the Gaines Elementary Eagle!
Are you keeping track? This quarter’s donation brings our total impact on the Athens community to $43,900!
June 2018
In June, we chose Butterfly Dreams Therapeutic Riding Program (BDF) to receive our donations, totaling $4,300. This organization was nominated by 100+ Women Who Care Athens member Joey Bristol, who is also the BDF Board President. BDF is a 501C-3 nonprofit organization that “provides a safe and fun environment for students to receive therapy and riding instruction on horseback.” You can read more about BDF on their website at https://butterflydreamsfarm.org. Joining Joey and me for the check delivery are Nicole Summerour Beitzel, her daughter Abby, who has gained so much from the programs at Butterfly Dreams, and Kisses, one of the working ponies at the farm.
March 2018
In March, we chose The Cottage, Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center, nominated by member Rachel Allen. The Cottage raises awareness and facilitates the healing of individuals, families and communities affected by sexual violence and child abuse. We reached our highest quarterly total to date, and Rachel and I presented $4,500 to Executive Director Sally Sheppard. Learn more about The Cottage at http://www.northgeorgiacottage.org.
This quarter’s donation brings our total impact on the Athens community to $34,600!
December 2017
In December, we selected Little Athens Children’s Museum. The goal of Little Athens, nominated by member Carrie Coker Bishop, is “to bring interactive play opportunities to families so they can connect, and kids can learn and develop a sense of our unique community.” We raised $4,150 to help with this goal, presented to founder Leigh Ellen Watts Magness, bringing our total donations to Athens area nonprofits to $30,100. You can learn more about Little Athens at http://littleathens.org.
September 2017
This quarter, we selected Girls Rock Athens, “dedicated to empowering girls, women, Trans, and non-binary Folks of all backgrounds and abilities through music education, creation, and performance.” Nominating member Kecia Thomas and I delivered $4,200 to Jenn Weishaupt, Executive Director. We topped our last donation and passed a major milestone for total donations since March 2015 at $25,950! 100+ Women Who Care Athens Rock!!
June 2017
This quarter, we selected Camp Twitch and Shout, which is “dedicated to improving the lives of children with Tourette Syndrome through engaging and supportive camp programs.” Nominating member Nan Peterson and I delivered $3,650 to Tricia Kardon, Camp Director and Executive Director of Tourette Information Center and Support. This is our highest donation to date, for a total of $21,750 shared with nonprofits in the Athens area since we began in March 2015!
March 2017
The local nonprofit we selected this quarter was the YWCO Summer Girls Club. This recreational day camp for girls ages 5-15 offers girls experiences that foster academic success, character development, goals setting, making good decisions, good health and nutrition, and giving back to community. Nominating member Nancy Walton and I delivered $3,550 to YWCO Executive Director Kitty Meyran. This donation will help to fund an additional week of summer fun and learning for Athens girls!
December 2016
This quarter, we selected Books for Keeps. We delivered $3,200 to support this organization’s goal to improve children’s reading achievement by addressing barriers related to the accessibility and appeal of reading material. Nominating members Merryn Walker and Kim Klonowski joined me to deliver $3,200 to Executive Director Leslie Williams Hale and Program Manager Louis Crow – thanks for taking the photo, Louis!
Following this donation, our total support for Athens-area nonprofits is $18,200. Can’t wait to see what we can do next year!
September 2016
This quarter, we selected U-Lead Athens. We delivered $3,350 to support this organization’s goal of equal access to higher education for all. U-Lead Athens Co-Director, JoBeth Allen, and Athens Tech/U-Lead Athens student, Adonahi Meza, accepted our checks.
Are you keeping track? This quarter’s donations, our largest total to date, puts us right at $15,000! Thank you to our members!
June 2016
In June, we selected the Young Designers Sewing Program. We delivered $2,500 to support their work with girls in East Athens, teaching them not only sewing and design, but also business and social skills.
* We received a late check for $50, bringing our total for YDSP to $2,550!
March 2016
In March, we selected the Georgia Conflict Center. We delivered $2,550 to support their work with Athens-area schools, businesses, jails, and others to address conflict as it arises and reduce violence.
For those of us keeping track, our running total since March 2015 is $9,050 to support Athens non-profits!
December 2015
In December, we selected Family Connection-Communities in Schools, Athens. We delivered $1,950 to support the development of partnerships between schools and members of our community, right here in Athens.
September 2015
In September, we selected the St. Mary’s Hospice House. We delivered $2,050 that may be used for patient care and supporting patients’ families.
June 2015
In June, the group selected the Athens Community Council on Aging, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. We delivered $1,400 to support this amazing program!
March 2015
For our inaugural donation, we selected the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Be a Friend First program. We delivered $1,100 to support the program in an Athens area middle school.
Questions? Please e-mail 100womenathens@gmail.com.
100+ Women Who Care Athens 