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Women's charity groups make change in Michigan communities

A representative from MyMichigan Health pitches the infusion center as a support candidate during the Midland 100 Club's quarterly meeting Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Midland Center for the Arts.
Adam Ferman/for the Midland Daily News
A representative from MyMichigan Health pitches the infusion center as a support candidate during the Midland 100 Club's quarterly meeting Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Midland Center for the Arts.

All around Michigan, Charity clubs made up of local women are quietly donating large sums of money to local nonprofits.

“Impact 100” is based in Traverse City. It has funded Habitat for Humanity, Addiction Treatment Services and the local Child Advocacy Center.

Last year, Stephanie Graham used social media to start a similar organization in the Clare area. The group donates roughly $10,000 to a different non-profit four times a year. Graham said she came up with the idea during the pandemic.

“I was losing hope in humanity,” she said. “I asked on Facebook if anyone knew if there was a group like this in our area and someone said ‘no, but if you start one I'll join.”

The “Midland 100 club” is a donation group that has been around for nearly 13 years. Today, the group is composed of nearly 600 women and their total impact exceeds one point four million dollars.

After making nominations, the club chooses two charitable organizations to receive donations at three meetings per year. Members donate $50 each to the nonprofits voted upon by the group.

“It's always a tough choice for the members to choose, because each organization that's been nominated is a 501(c)(3) organization in Midland,” said 100 Club Chair Tina Van Dam. “They're always worthwhile groups to support.”

Jill Harrington is a senior at CMU majoring in journalism and minoring in theatre and interpretation. Jill grew up in Novi, Michigan and started reporting for WCMU in summer 2022.