100+ Women Who Care Santa Cruz has supported these local organizations since 2009:

March 13, 2024, Safe Families for Children, $5,500

December 13, 2023, For Kids Foundation Monterey Bay: $6,600

December 13, 2023, Recovery Café, $100

September 13, 2023, Skills of Life Café, $5,025

September 13, 2023, CASA, $300

September 13, 2023, Life Lab, $100

June 14, 2023, Rising Worldwide: $5,550

March 8, 2023: Encompass, Transitional Age Youth Programs: $5,700

December 7, 2022: Santa Cruz Toddler Care: $5,400

December 7, 2022: MTN 2 SEA: $525

September 7, 2022: Safe Families for Children: $5,000

June 8, 2022: Birchbark Foundation: $4,400

March 9, 2022: El Sistema, Santa Cruz, $5,000

March 9, 2022: CASA, $100

March 9, 2022: Recovery Café, $100

December 8, 2021: Recovery Cafe, $6,200

September 8, 2021: Salud Y Cariño: $6,650

September 8, 2021: Birchbark Foundation: $200

June 9, 2021: MTN2SEA: $5,255

June 9, 2021: Jacob’s Heart: $200

June 9, 2021: CASA: $100

December 4, 2019: Safe Families for Children-Santa Cruz: $5,000

September 11, 2019: WomenCARE – $5,550

June 12, 2019: Birchbark $5,000

March 13, 2019: Encompass – Si Se Puede $7,000

December 12, 2018: Hospice of Santa Cruz $5,000

September 11, 2018: CALI Project $3,211

June 13, 2018: Positive Discipline Community Resources  $5,600

March 14, 2018: Dientes Community Dental Care  $5,550

December 13, 2017: CASA $4,600

September 13, 2017: Girls Inc. of the Central Coast $5,900

June 7, 2017: Salud y Cariño $7,050

March 1, 2017: Partnership for Children  $6,300

December 7, 2016: Teen Kitchen Project $6,800

December 7, 2016: Literacy Program $100

December 7, 2016: Helping Hands $100

September 7, 2016: Shane’s Inspiration/Leo’s Haven $7,400

June 1, 2016: Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy $7,300

March 2, 2016: Salud y Cariño $7,200

March 2, 2016: Young Writers $300

March 2, 2016: Survivors Healing Network $200

December 2015: Shared Adventures $7,240

September 2015: Rising International $8,640

June 2015: The Literacy Program $7,600

March 2015: Camp Opportunity $8,400, Watsonville Wetlands Watch $50

Dec. 2014: Girls Inc. of the Central Coast $7,600

Sept. 2014: Coastal Watershed Council $7,900

June 2014: Dientes Community Dental Care $9,200

March 2014: Court Appointed Special Advocates $8,500

Dec. 2013: Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services $7,500

Sept. 2013: Homeless Garden Women’s Organic Flower Enterprise $5,625

June 2013: Teen Kitchen Project $7,800

March 2013: Branciforte Middle School Digital Media Center Lab $7,800

March 2013: Santa Cruz Police Officers $600

Dec. 2012: Transition Age Youth Programs $8,400

Sept. 2012: Horse and Heart $8,200

June 2012: Camp Opportunity $6,200

March 2012: Finding Sophia – Mini Mermaids $7,100

Dec. 2011: Women’s Crisis Support – Defensa de Mujeres $7,000

Sept. 2011: Y.E.S. School $5,400

June 2011: Court Appointed Special Advocates $5,700

March 2011: Families in Transition of Santa Cruz County $5,900

Dec. 2010: Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services $4,700

Sept. 2010: Walnut Avenue Women’s Center $4,500

June 2010: Second Harvest Food Bank $3,000

March 2010: Diversity Center $3,400

Dec. 2009: Mini Mermaids $2,100

TOTAL   $329,175

December 4, 2019

We celebrated our tenth anniversary with a look back at many of the charities as have supported, totaling over $260,000 in contributions over the years. From Teen Kitchen Project to WomenCARE, from Salud y Carino to Mini Mermaid Running Club (our first!), we have made a real difference in the lives of many people — an animals — and helped many local nonprofits during challenging times.

In some cases, our support kept an important project from shutting down (The Diversity Center’s queer youth camp), helped new non-profits get their start (Mini Mermaid Running Club, Salud y Carino, CALI Project) and ensured longstanding programs got the support they need year after year (Dientes, Hospice, Girls Inc).

We’re looking forward to the next decade and the many lives we can support, as well as all the wonderful networking and socializing we do as we support each other.

September 11, 2019

More than 40 women gathered at the MAH’s Garden Room to hear from WomenCARE, Dientes and PoPPY/iGEM. From contraception innovation to youth dental care and helping those battling cancer, these three organizations represent wonderful women-led organizations making life better for so many in our community. Our winner was WomenCARE!

Special thanks to our member Nikki Lewen for gifting everyone who attended with a free ebook of her debut novel, Three Sisters. Her fictional tale deals with what happens when we chose to not heed the warnings of global warming that is destroying our planet. Set in the Santa Cruz mountains, a lone woman survivor finds herself in a position to help others. It was great hearing from Nikki.

June 12, 2019

It was a beautiful evening at the MAH Garden Room, learning about the three organizations pulled from the purple hat — WomenCARE, Shared Adventures, and BirchBark Foundation, the winner!

Dr. Merrianne Burtch, BirchBark founder, puts it this way, “One of the most challenging parts of my job is watching people say goodbye to a savable pet because of a financial obstacle. BirchBark is the result of a dream to help those people keep that wonderful bond with their pets by helping to remove all or part of the financial obstacle. At the same time, we offer information to help people be the best caregivers and health advocates they can for their pets.”

During our time together, we were also given a lesson in Mini Mermaid Flow from Heidi Boynton, who taught us all how to Stop. Look. Listen. and Stand Tall.

June 7, 2017

Great seeing everyone who came to the meeting at Michael’s on Main! We selected Salud y Cariño to support with our donation. We also heard from Hope’s Closet and The Homeless Garden Project. You can read about them, and all our nominated charities on our Nominated Charities page.

Salud y Cariño opens doors for girls to take action and gain confidence through physical activity and healthy choices to live their best lives now!

If you missed the meeting, didn’t send anyone in with your check, or just forgot to bring your check, please mail your $100 check made out to “Salud y Cariño” to our treasurer, Diane Lamotte, 604 Middlefield Drive, Aptos CA 95003.

Be sure to mark your calendar for our September 13th meeting!

March 1, 2017

Great seeing everyone who came to the March meeting! We selected Partnership for Children to support with our donation. We also heard from UCSC Women’s Group and Girls Inc. of the Central Coast. You can read about them, and all our nominated charities on our website.

Partnership for Children supports families with children experiencing serious illness. It is a nonprofit organization focused on increasing access to care for kids with life-threatening conditions and supporting their families.

We also got to hear updates from some of the groups we’ve supported in the past. We heard a wonderful speech from a young woman who has experienced the work the Teen Kitchen does for families affected by cancer, and how she’s now giving back as a teen chef in the program. Her father was there to hear her beautiful speech. It was a wonderful, inspiring night!

Be sure to mark your calendar for our June 7th meeting!

December 7, 2016

At our December meeting we heard from the Literacy Program, Helping Hands Senior Project, and we selected the Teen Kitchen Project to support with our donation.

Teen Kitchen Project brings teenagers into the kitchen to prepare meals for families in our community who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. Learn more at  in the Santa Cruz Sentinel to see why our donations are so important to Santa Cruz families.

We also had a presentation from LEO’s Haven showing how our donation in September is helping to build a playground uniquely designed to provide all children access to the benefits of play.

And, of course we enjoyed delicious food and drinks with some of the most generous women in Santa Cruz County!

September 7, 2016

At our September meeting we heard from Digital NEST, 321 Life + 1 Project, and we selected Shane’s Inspiration/LEO’s Haven (http://www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org) to support with our donation. LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park will be a playground uniquely designed to provide all children access to the benefits of play while teaching the vital lessons of compassion, awareness, and acceptance.

We also got to hear from Gina Castañeda about how our donation in June helped support Aztecas youth soccer camp, we heard about many great opportunities to support groups doing great work in our community this fall, and enjoyed delicious food and drinks with some of the most generous women in Santa Cruz County.

If you missed the meeting, didn’’t send anyone in with your check, or you are a guest who wants to make a donation, please mail your $100 check made out to “SI FPO Leo’s Haven” to Diane Lamotte, 604 Middlefield Drive, Aptos CA 95003.

Thank you to everyone who braved traffic to enjoy the spacious room, great sound, and friendly staff at Seacliff Inn! The group voted overwhelmingly to come back to Seacliff in December!

June 1, 2016

At our June meeting we heard from Aztecas Youth Soccer League, Food What?, and Digital NEST and we selected Aztecas (http://www.aztecasyouthsocceracademy.org) to support with our donation.

The Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy uses soccer to reclaim the lives of at-risk Latino youth who struggle with gangs, violence and poverty in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. Players develop the life skills to thrive on and off the field: with each other, with family, and with community.

If you missed the meeting, didn’’t send anyone in with your check, or you are a guest who wants to make a donation, please mail your $100 check made out to “Aztecas” to Diane Lamotte, 604 Middlefield Drive, Aptos CA 95003.

Thank you to everyone who came to our new location this quarter and enjoyed the spacious room, great sound, and friendly staff at Seacliff Inn! Their generous donation made us feel welcome and comfortable and provided us with a wonderful space for our meeting!

March 2, 2016

We heard from The Young Writers Program, Survivors Healing Center, and Salud y Cariño and we selected Salud y Cariño (http://www.saludycarino.org) to support with our donation.

Salud y Cariño opens doors for girls to take action and gain confidence through physical activity and healthy choices to live their best lives now. The representatives who were at the meeting were in tears when their organization was selected. The donation will really make a difference in the lives of many girls in Santa Cruz County.

If you missed the meeting, didn’’t send anyone in with your check, or you are a guest who wants to make a donation, please mail your $100 check made out to “”Salud y Cariño” to Diane Lamotte, 604 Middlefield Drive, Aptos CA 95003.

Those of you who were at the meeting will not be surprised, but we are looking for a new location to hold our next meeting, so if you have any suggestions, please let us know. We are looking for a place that will welcome a group of 75-100 women four times a year. Ideally, there won’t be a charge for using the space, and a place that serves food and drink is a definite plus! Feel free to drop us an email or comment on our post on Facebook with your ideas, and any contact information if you have a connection at a particular restaurant or venue.

December 2, 2015

We had a great meeting for our final gathering of 2015! We heard from Artemis Project, SMART-Single Mothers group, and Shared Adventures. We selected Shared Adventures to support with our donation.

Founded on the belief that recreation, fun, challenge and access to the outdoors are an essential part of a healthy and fulfilling life, Shared Adventures is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with disabilities.

Happy Holidays and see you in the new year!

September 2, 2015

Great meeting this quarter: Delicious food and drinks, great company, and finally an awesome microphone and speaker (Thanks, Joan!). We could truly finally hear from everyone!

We heard from Mini Mermaid Running Club, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, and Rising International. We selected Rising International­ to support with our donation.

Our donation to Rising International will go to the Safe & Sound program to help end human trafficking here in the Monterey Bay Area. Human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world. Due to the fact that foster youth are more likely to run away, they are at an even higher risk of being trafficked. Rising International’s Safe & Sound program is designed to keep foster youth safe from perpetrators, while youth earn income as jewelry makers.

We also heard from The Literacy Program about how our donation last quarter helped 18 more students learn English through the program. And, we got a quick update from Tracy, recipient of our donation a year ago for Coastal Watershed Council. Tracy recently moved back to Connecticut, where she started the first 100 Women Who Care group in the state!

June 3, 2015

At our June meeting, we selected The Literacy Program to support with our donation. We also heard from The Family Album Project and El Sistema Santa Cruz. You can find links to learn more about them, and all our nominated charities, on our Charities page.

It was great catching up with everyone at Café Mare to hear about so many great causes and events here in Santa Cruz. Sorry about the bad sound system, but remember, no one is going to mention it to Sandy. 😉 We have a plan for a better amplification system next time so we can make sure everyone can hear about the cool organizations!

See you in September!

March 4, 2015

We selected Camp Opportunity to receive our donation this quarter. Camp opportunity is a residential camp for children ages 8-13 who are at risk of abuse or neglect. Many of the campers currently live or have lived in foster care, all come from families facing serious issues, such as substance abuse and family violence. For six days and five nights, campers enjoy a wide variety of camp activites amongst the redwoods, as well as classes designed to increase self-esteem and self-expression.

December 3, 2014

At our winter meeting, we voted to donate $7,200 to Girls Inc. of the Central Coast. Girls Inc. delivers a constellation of programs focused on leadership and self-empowerment for girls ages 8 to 18. Youth Leaders facilitate these programs at 28 school sites around Monterey County and San Benito County and are expanding to Santa Cruz County.

If you missed the meeting, didn’t send anyone in with your check, or just forgot to bring your check, please mail your $100 check made out to “Girls Inc.” to our treasurer, Diane Lamotte, 604 Middlefield Drive, Aptos CA 95003.

It was great catching up with everyone at Miramar Fish Grotto to hear about so many great causes and events here in Santa Cruz. Fun new location and so many exceptional women on a beautiful night!

September 3, 2014

At our September meeting, we voted to donate $6,900 to Coastal Watershed Council. The council provides ongoing efforts to revitalize the San Lorenzo River, to measure and improve water quality, reconnect Santa Cruz to the river through events on the Riverwalk, inspire local youth to care for their river, and coordinate watershed experts and local leaders to revitalize the San Lorenzo. 

Thanks to the 13 people who have sent in checks since our meeting! If you missed the meeting, didn’t send anyone in with your check, or just forgot to bring your check, please mail your $100 check made out to “Coastal Watershed Council” to our treasurer, Diane Lamotte, 604 Middlefield Drive, Aptos CA 95003.

It was great catching up with everyone at Center Street Grill to hear about so many great causes and events here in Santa Cruz. Sorry about the mixup with the restaurant. They were expecting us next week so they were short-staffed until some reinforcements showed up! Thanks to Marty and the Center Street Grill for stepping up to make sure everyone had a chance to enjoy delicious drinks and dinner.

June 4, 2014

At our summer meeting, we voted to donate $9,000 to Dientes Community Dental Care. Dientes offers affordable, high-quality dental care to people in Santa Cruz County who need it the most. 

We hope you liked the new, streamlined process, with members ready to speak about every name in the hat. As always, let us know if there are ways we can improve things even more!

We know that you know Santa Cruz community heroes—there were about 100 at our meeting last night! The United Way of Santa Cruz County is currently accepting nominations for 2014 Community Heroes, those who have worked to achieve significant results in the Economy, Education, Health, Public Safety, Social Environment, or Natural Environment. You can nominate someone by emailing or mailing the hero nomination form or by completing the online nomination form.

March 5, 2014

In March, we voted to donate $8,500 to CASA, an organization that provides support to neglected, abused, or abandoned children. It was one of the closest votes ever, with the Literacy Program and Diversity Center garnering almost as many votes. (Some of the generous women at the meeting gave to one of these organizations in addition to their donation to CASA!)

Those of you who were at the meeting may have had a chance to speak with Jennifer Pittman from the Santa Cruz Sentinel. She wrote a wonderful story about our group. Take a look when you get a chance! We’ve already heard from some women who heard about our group for the first time when they read the article.

December 4, 2013

On December 4, 2013, we donated $7,500 to Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. Since 1998, Jacob’s Heart has served nearly 500 families who have heard the devastating words, “your child has cancer.” Through the years they have celebrated remission for hundreds of children, and they have grieved with families at the loss of a precious child. Through it all, they remain steadfast in their mission; their reason for existence, an unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life for each child by providing support to parents and families.

September 4, 2013

On September 4, 2013, we donated $5,625 to the Homeless Garden Project Women’s Organic Flower Enterprise (WOFE). At WOFE, trainees create gift products using raw materials grown by trainees on the organic farm while providing individuals meaningful work. All revenue from WOFE product sales returns to the program. WOFE allows trainees year-round transitional employment, provides training in job skills, raises self-esteem and confidence and works to replace the isolation that homelessness may bring with a community of support.

June 5, 2013

On June 5, 2013, we donated $7,800 to Teen Kitchen Project.Teen Kitchen Project helps make a difference for families in crisis due to life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. The Teen Kitchen Project is a nonprofit organization that brings young people into the kitchen to learn to cook delicious and nourishing food. The meals they prepare are delivered free of charge to individuals and families who are in crisis due to a life-threatening illness like cancer. The teens gain skills in cooking healthy food, learn about the impact of their food choices, and are offered an opportunity to build connections through community service.

March 6, 2013

About 75 members and guests met at the Center Street Grill and heard presentations from representatives from Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz Police Officers Association and Branciforte Middle School Digital Media Center Lab. The group voted on which of these great causes to support, and the group selected Branciforte Middle School Digital Media Center Lab for our $7,800 donation.  The group also gathered more than $600 in donations for the fallen Santa Cruz Police Officers. The Branciforte Technology Committee, along with the B40 staff and Home and School Club envision a space at the school where ALL students will have access to technology. It will be a place where students, parents, and community members can embrace 21st century learning together.

Project Update:

Branciforte Middle School, 315 Poplar St., hosted a grand opening celebration for its Innovation Center on Dec. 5, 2013. The long-awaited center was built using time, money and materials from Santa Cruz City Schools and the community. The center features new carpet, windows, electrical and Internet lines, paint, furniture and technology thanks to the efforts of many, including students, the Home and School Club, 100 Women Who Care-Santa Cruz, parents and Plantronics.

December 5, 2012

About 100 members and guests met at the Center Street Grill and heard presentations from representatives from KidPower, Transition Age Youth Programs, and the Homeless Garden Project. The group voted on which of these great causes to support, and the group selected Transition Age Youth Programs for our $8,400 donation. That brings the total of donations we’ve made to deserving causes in Santa Cruz County to more than $71,000! Transition Age Youth Programs serve current and former foster and probation placement youth ages 15-24. They provide an array of programs and services including counseling, skills building, a resource center, and subsidized supportive housing. Their mission is to support and empower youth in making a healthy transition into successful adulthood. They are part of the Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center.

September 5, 2012

We heard presentations from representatives from The Literacy Program of Santa Cruz, Planned Parenthood, and Horse and Heart. The group voted on which of these great causes to support, and the group selected Horse and Heart for our $8,200 donation. Horse and Heart provides opportunities for youth to develop relationships with horses to help tackle challenging issues and obstacles with an attitude of curiosity and respect. The money that 100 Women Who Care donates will go to pay for scholarships for children in the yearlong and summer programs at Horse and Heart.

June 6, 2012

In June, we met at the Center Street Grill in Santa Cruz. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed sangria, we welcomed new members to our group, and caught up with returning friends. We heard presentations from representatives from Camp Opportunity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Lightfoot Industries. The group voted on which of these great causes to support, and the group selected Camp Opportunity. We gave the summer camp program for foster children in Santa Cruz $6,200. Since 1989, hundreds of children have benefited from stays at Camp Opportunity. Campers are ages 8 to 13, and come from families facing serious issues such as substance abuse and family violence and all are at risk of abuse or neglect. Most of the children have been or are currently in foster care. Whatever the specific background, there is one common thread in all of these young people’s lives: they all need a place like Camp Opportunity. The money that 100 Women Who Care donated will go to providing camp equipment, facility rental, and supervision for the 200 Santa Cruz children who get to enjoy this wonderful opportunity this summer. Check out the great photos of 2012 Camp Opportunity on their Facebook page!

March 7, 2012

In March, we met at the Center Street Grill in Santa Cruz. We welcomed 20 new members to our group, along with welcoming back many who were at our first meeting just over two years ago. We heard presentations from representatives from Finding Sophia, Mountain Community Resources, and Gemma. The group voted on which of these great causes to support, and the group selected Finding Sophia – Mini Mermaids. We gave the afterschool running club for elementary school-aged girls $7,100.

December 7, 2011

Our December meeting was held once again at the beautiful Center Street Grill in Santa Cruz. We heard really great and moving presentations from representatives from Santa Cruz Teen Center, Survivors Healing Center, Women’s Crisis Support – Defensa de Mujeres. The group voted on which of these great causes to support, and the group selected Women’s Crisis Support – Defensa de Mujeres. We gave the Rape Crisis Center and Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter $7,000. Thanks to all the new women who showed up to experience this fun and effective evening with us! It’s great to see our money going to work to help those in need right here in Santa Cruz County!

September 7, 2011

Our fall meeting was held at the beautiful Center Street Grill in Santa Cruz. We heard from representatives from the Adolfo Family, Finding Sophia, and Y.E.S School. The group voted on which of these great causes to support, and the group selected Y.E.S. School.

June 1, 2011

Our summer meeting was held at the beautiful Center Street Grill in Santa Cruz. We heard from representatives from the Adolfo Family, Friends of Santa Cruz County Animals, and CASA. The group voted on which of these great causes to support, and the group selected CASA.

March 2, 2011

Our spring meeting was held at the beautiful Center Street Grill in Santa Cruz.We heard from representatives from Gemma, a project of the Community Action Board, Families in Transition of Santa Cruz County, and Lightfoot Industries. The group voted on which of these great causes to support, and the group selected Families in Transition.

December 1, 2010

Our winter meeting was held at the Center Street Grill in Santa Cruz. The restaurant welcomed us with beautiful holiday decorations and delicious food and wine. We heard from representatives from Finding Sophia, Jacob’s Heart, and the Homeless Garden Project. The group voted on which charity to support this fall, and the group selected Jacob’s Heart.

September 1, 2010

Our fall meeting was September 1, 2010 at 99 Bottles of Beer Restaurant & Pub at 100 Walnut Street in downtown Santa Cruz. We had a great time catching up with new and returning members! We first heard from Nikira about what a great time the kids had at Queer Camp this summer, in part due to our donation last March to the Diversity Center. It was great hearing that our donation made a difference in the lives of these kids right here in Santa Cruz. We heard from representatives from Save Our Shores, The Walnut Avenue Women’s Shelter, and Finding Sophia. The group voted on which charity to support this fall, and one hour later the group donated $4,500 to the Walnut Avenue Women’s Shelter.

June 2, 2010

On June 2, more than twenty women gathered for the spring 100 Women Who Care Santa Cruz giving circle meeting. Each came with a blank $100 check, plus a few women brought checks from friends who were unable to attend the meeting. They heard from representatives from Second Harvest Food Bank, The Walnut Avenue Women’s Shelter, and the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. The group voted on which charity to support this spring, and one hour later the group donated $3,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank. Jeanette Hager, Accounting Coordinator for Second Harvest Food Bank, picked up the Spring 2010 donation from Stacy Nagel, who spoke on behalf of the organization at the 100 Women Who Care meeting. Hager was thrilled at such a large donation. The food bank is struggling as spring and summer are traditionally low-donation times. “Everyone thinks of donating to the food bank during the fall holiday drives, but in the summer the food bank picks up where school lunch programs leave off and there is spike in the need for healthy children’s lunches,” said Hager. Hager was also happy to hear that the giving circle considered donating to Walnut Avenue Women’s Shelter and wanted to report that Second Harvest provides food to the shelter, so 100 Women Who Care actually helped both charities with their donation. The $3,000 donation provided 15,000 meals, which is approximately three months of food at Second Harvest, and if one person were to eat all 15,000 meals that person would be fed three meals a day for almost 14 years. “100 Women Who Care made an incredible difference in the Santa Cruz community this week,” said Nagel. Hager gave Nagel a huge hug and asked her to share it with the entire giving circle. To learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank, visit http://www.thefoodbank.org/.

March 3, 2010

The organizations selected at random at our March meeting were the Diversity Center in Santa Cruz’s Queer Youth Scene, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and WEST Performing Arts in Santa Cruz. Representatives of the organizations spoke for about five minutes each. After a quick vote on Post-it notes, the Diversity Center was awarded the money, in the form of checks totaling $3,400. It will use the funds to expand its annual summer camp for gay teens. Cynthia Druley, who nominated and spoke on behalf of the Diversity Center, said she came to the meeting because it seemed like a way to create a significant difference in the community. She didn’t expect the organization that she nominated to win, she said. “I’m totally shocked and surprised that the organization I nominated won this,” Druley said. “This can probably come pretty close to funding the entire camp, and it all happened within an hour.” Read more about the meeting in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 5, 2010 issue.

December 2, 2009

The causes selected at our inaugural meeting were Mini Mermaids, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, and The Eric Drew Foundation. The group voted to make this quarter’s donation to Mini Mermaids, an after-school running program, based at Del Mar Elementary School in Live Oak, for girls in second to sixth grade. The program’s coordinators, Heidi Boynton and Trish Ward, left the meeting with $2,100 in donations that the group will use to buy shoes and equipment. Heidi sent a nice note to follow up with 100 Women Who Care after the meeting. “It was such a pleasure meeting you guys last month. I have told many of my friends about 100WWC and hope to have some along for the March meeting. I am happy to report that everything is moving ahead for the running club. I was just in Los Angeles last weekend picking up shoes for the girls. We are starting the club on March 2nd and it looks like it will be 30 girls to start with. With the funds that came from 100WWC, we will be able to get the rest of the shoes that might be needed, order t-shirts and take the girls to some college women’s events. We are really looking forward to a great program and have many hands on deck in the community to bring it all together.” You can read more about the meeting in the Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 27, 2009 issue.