100+ Women Who Care Cy-Fair Chapter Makes a Collective Community Impact

100+ Women Who Care

Cy-Fair Chapter Makes a Collective Community Impact

Story by Patricia Hudson

(left to right) Tricia Balmos, Keeli Almaraz, Michelle Baldwin, Jodi Johnston-McNiven, Michelle Mawford, Angie Vowell, Kathryn Trotti Photo Credit: Karen McConaughey Photography

Baby cribs. It was at a Center for Family Health meeting in Jackson, Michigan that Karen Dunigan learned of impoverished new mothers that were bringing their new babies home and placing them in boxes, dresser drawers, and in their own beds. As they could not afford to purchase proper cribs, some of the infants did not survive the night. Presented with the bottom line, Karen learned that the cost of cribs, complete with mattresses and blankets, was $10,000. Dunigan realized that she could ask ten Center for Family Health supporters to each write a check for $1,000, but even better, she knew that 100 women could donate $100 each. Phone calls were made and a meeting was set. Within an hour, $12,800 was raised for baby cribs. Karen founded the first chapter of 100+ WOMEN Who Care; currently, there are more than 900 chapters comprised of women, as well as men and children, worldwide. “I first heard about 100+WOMEN Who Care and the concept of ‘collective giving’ when I was in Canada visiting family for the summer. I was instantly drawn to the idea. I’ve always been involved in philanthropy, but this concept ticked all the boxes for me. Women supporting women, networking, learning about issues facing our community and then working as a collective to make a big impact. I immediately knew it was something I wanted to create back in Cypress. I talked to some friends, rallied some support and in September 2016, 100+WOMEN Who Care, Cy-Fair was founded,” shares Founder and President, Jodi Johnston-McNiven. Angie Vowell was one of the women to whom Jodi turned for support. “Jodi came back from Canada where she heard about this organization, said she wanted to start a group in Cypress and asked if I would like to help her. It sounded amazing, so I said ABSOLUTELY!” 100+ WOMEN Who Care, Cy-Fair is a giving circle of women who gather four times a year and make a real impact in their community through a collective donation of $100 each to a local charity nominated by its members. “We are always looking for new members and sponsors,” comments the founder. “Members are asked to commit for a year of collective giving where they are asked to contribute $100 a quarter. They are then able to nominate local charities and vote at each meeting for who they think should be rewarded the money.” Johnston-McNiven is a motivating woman with high aspirations; she is President of Kairos Consulting, Switch on Coaching, and is a RISE Facilitator for The

Women’s Resource. “The members of our Chapter are from all walks of life, but what we all have in common is the commitment to lifting each other up, and making our community as strong as it can be. Our goal is to exceed $10,000 consistently every quarter. We’ve raised over $150, 000 for local charities and have shown time and time again what a group of determined women are capable of accomplishing when we work together! Covid wasn’t easy, but we pivoted, went viral for a while and our members stayed with us. I am proud of these ladies who care so much.” Angie Vowell has witnessed first-hand the power of collaborative giving. “We have awarded somewhere in the neighborhood of 18 nonprofit organizations. Some of these include Big Love, Joy Ride, Kindness to Action, Our Daughters House, Houston Area Women’s Center, Heaven Instead, Shield Bearer, and Reach Unlimited.”

100+ WOMEN Who Care Board Members

Jodi Johnston-McNiven - Founder/President Keeli Almaraz - Charity Analyst Kathryn Trotti - Charity Analyst Angie Vowell - Charity Liaison Tricia Balmos - Chief Financial Officer Michelle Mawford - Member Coordinator Michelle Baldwin - Social Media Coordinator 100womencyfair.wixsite.com/100wwc 713.591.2447 • 100womencyfair@gmail.com

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