COVID-19 has drastically affected nonprofits and individuals across the county. As social distancing became a daily reality, annual fundraising events were put on hold, reconfigured to be held virtually or ultimately cancelled. Fortunately, we were able to step up and rapidly respond to the needs of our community using our combined dollars and advocacy efforts.
Our sister groups were able to meet in person for our Q1 meetings. After COVID-19 began to spread in our community, our chapter leaned into technology and utilized Zoom to continue meeting virtually for the remainder of the year.
“We didn’t skip a beat,” shared Stephanie Millner, Chief Charity Officer for 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun. “Cancelling our giving circles was never a consideration for us. We knew the need in the community was significant and we knew we could help.” Aside from adjusting our meeting format, our chapter made concessions for members who needed to skip a donation or contribute less due to personal circumstances.
In 2020, 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun members donated over $115,000 spread across twelve charities.
The Ahwatukee group donated to Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. who exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children; A New Leaf – DVSTOP Program provides short-term emergency placement at a confidential location to domestic violence victims and their children when Maricopa County domestic violence shelters are full; New Pathways for Youth serves youth, ages 12-21, experiencing poverty and adversities such as parent incarceration, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, and high school dropout; and Homeless Engagement Lift Partnership intervenes to fill the hunger gaps often associated with homeless families.
The Scottsdale group donated to Voices for CASA Children who seeks to give a Voice to every child in Arizona’s foster care system; Harvest Compassion Center welcomes clients to shop and choose their most-needed food, hygiene, baby and clothing items all free of charge; Caring Coalition AZ provides food and support to neighboring families in need, specifically school-aged children who are going without adequate food on weekends; and Family Promise – Greater Phoenix who enables families to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
The East Valley group donated to Aris Foundation who cares for all individuals, homeless or housed, who need care; Arizona Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America champions and honors veterans of the United States of America by taking action to improve the lives of U.S. military veterans and all who have experienced Spinal Cord Injury, Disease/Dysfunction, and Disability; Maggie’s Place provides houses of hospitality and ongoing support to help pregnant and parenting women in need reach their goals and welcomes them into a community filled with love and dignity; and Empowerment Through Sports builds and maintains a support mechanism for the young men and women that possess the ambition and drive to be successful in life through sports.
Since our chapter’s inception in 2015, almost $700,000 has been given to local charities. Our group of women have learned that giving back is better together.