STAR to Benefit From 100+ Women Who Care

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Published on March 29 2017 6:12 pm
Last Updated on March 30 2017 9:03 am
Written by Greg Sapp

(FROM LEFT, KATRINA SMITH OF STAR, AND MELISSA WILLENBORG AND KAREN ETTER OF 100+ WOMEN WHO CARE OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY)

100+ Women Who Care in Effingham County are getting ready for their 2017 meetings. A press conference was held Wednesday morning to announce plans for this year.

The women meet three times a year to decide what organization will be given funding for its helping activities. They contribute $400 annually. $100 of that amount goes to the 100+ Women Who Care of Effingham County Endowment. The remaining $300 goes to three non-profit organizations throughout the year, $100 to each of the three organizations. Once the endowment reaches $50,000, additional funds will be distributed to organizations from the interest earned on the endowment.

The group started with 100 members, following a nationwide pattern started by similar groups. The number has grown to 130 participating members in Effingham County, and Co-Chairs Karen Etter and Melissa Willenborg said the goal for 2017 is to grow the group to 200 members.

STAR, or Strategic Training and Restoration, was the last recipient in 2016. STAR is helping support the Drug Court program in Effingham County. A Mental Illness Court and a Veterans Court are also offered to qualifying individuals in the county. They are offered as an alternative to prison.

Etter and Willenborg remind that there are no requirements to be a part of 100+ Women Who Care other than contributing funds. Women are welcome to attend a meeting to decide whether to join, although they won't be allowed to vote on a beneficiary until they join. Those who have received funds return to subsequent meetings to report on how the funds have helped. Those interested in more information are encouraged to contact Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation.

The dates and locations for the 2017 gatherings of 100+ Women Who Care in Effingham County are:

--Thursday, April 6 from 5-6pm at Thelma Keller Convention Center

--July 13 at Patterson Dental Center

--October 12 at Tuscan Hills Winery