Johnson City
NICOLE HUGHES AND BABY WILLOW
DIANE BARTCHY AND BETH BARTCHY-SMITH
CLAIRE MARR, KRISTINA DULANEY, ADREINNE OSBORNE, AND BECCA DAVIS
HEATHER TILLMAN AND SHELLEY HUBER
PATRICIA DOWNS, CAROLYN ROCHELLE, JOSIE WATSON, DIANE BRADLEY, AND AMANDA OLSEN
KRISTINA DULANEY, MICHELLE MATHEWS, AND GENA FRYE
Tri-Cities 5th Big Give EVENT COVERED BY CASEY KEELEY
On Thursday, 13 Feb. at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City, Tennessee, the Tri-Cities TN/VA chapter of the 100 Who Care Alliance held their 5th Big Give event. Localized to the Tri-Cities by Becca Davis, 100+ Tri-Cities Women Who Care allows women to network, learn about great things happening in our community, and make a significant impact together. Over 100 women meet together four times a year to donate $100 each to a local nonprofit, which is decided upon by a majority vote.
GAIL OLIVER
MOLLY YATES AND WILL CASSELL
After a light meal sponsored by the Abingdon Olive Oil Company and All Aboard Travel, three women from different organizations were given the floor for five minutes each to explain their charity and what they would do with the money if they were to win the check. The first to present was Michelle Mathews of AdaptoPlay. Founded in 2016, AdaptoPlay serves to create inclusive and independent play for all by innovating mobility, increasing sociability, and fostering community collaboration for the mentally disadvantaged. With an annual budget of $20,000 and 87 volunteers, the program has served children of the Tri-Cities more than 70 times. Next came Kristina Dulaney representing the organization Cherished Mom. Cherished Mom was founded in 2018, has an annual budget of $15,400, and has served over 100 women in Johnson City. Cherished Mom serves to promote awareness and education for perinatal mood disorders and the importance of self-care to new moms, families, healthcare professionals, and the community.
WOMEN WHO CARE
Lastly, Gena Frye represented the Children’s Advocacy Center of Sullivan County. Dealing with the young victims of abuse, the CAC seeks to combat child abuse and minimize trauma by providing and coordinating supportive services to children and their families. Nicole Hughes, who won the money at the 3rd Big Give for her cause Levi’s Legacy, took the floor while the ladies voted on which charity would receive the money. She held her baby, Willow, on her hip as she spoke about her program and how the check from Big Give had helped. Levi’s Legacy is dedicated to changing the way our culture perceives bodies of water and to erase the stigma associated with drowning. Cherished Mom received the $10,000 check and will use the money to extend the reach of their program to the remainder of the Tri-Cities, as it is currently only in Johnson City.
MICHELLE MATHEWS AND ASHELY EVANS
70
march 2020
TIFFANY HICKMAN AND BECKY RUSSELL
