Spartan Food Pantry receives over $13,000 from 100+ Women Who Care

DeKALB – In the five years since women across DeKalb County formed a charitable giving organization, the group has grown to over 140 members and donated more than $250,000 to area nonprofit agencies.

The latest beneficiary is Spartan Food Pantry in Sycamore.

Mary Beth Van Buer said she’s still waiting on the final count as fellow members of DeKalb County’s 100+ Women Who Care finish writing their checks. She said the food pantry will get about $13,700.

“Women will do the right thing,” Van Buer said. “They go through all of [the eligible organizations seeking funds]; people are listening to them and asking questions and finding out more about the charity and what they do. It seems like people are always happy.”

DeKalb County’s 100+ Women Who Care celebrated five years Wednesday at the DeKalb Elks Lodge. The chapter meets four times a year and raises money for local charities using a simple fundraising concept. At each meeting, members nominate three organizations. After listening to five-minute presentations explaining the needs and mission of each, members vote on which charity should receive the Greatest Impact Award. Each member then writes a check for $100 to the winning charity.

The first chapter of the 100+ Women Who Care was started in Jackson, Michigan, in 2006. Now there are 725 chapters worldwide.

“The food pantry just started a couple years ago,” Van Buer said. “I think they do have some good programs. They’re really excited about getting the money. This gives people a chance to really do something that needs to be done. It’s a marvelous thing.”

The organization always is in search of nonprofits that are looking for more funds for their programs, and Van Buer said nonprofits can sign up to be considered for the next meeting.

In order to be eligible to receive funds, nonprofits with 501(c)3 status should visit www.100plusdekalbsycamorewomenwhocare.com to fill out a membership form, or contact Van Buer directly at mbvanbuer@gmail.com.