Just two weeks ago, Deanna Oliverio Mason learned about the 100 Who Care Alliance and the impact it is making in communities across the globe. She knew immediately it was something she wanted to see in our community.

 

She and Natalie Mason have joined forces to institute 100+ Women Who Care of Harrison County. Registration is open to all Harrison County women and the first meeting is April 13 at Bridgeport Country Club. Within a year, four different 501c3 charity organizations will benefit big from “the power of 100.”

 

"I believe this organization is a perfect fit for busy wives and mothers who have a desire to give back to the community, but have limited spare time,” Natalie Mason said.

It’s a very simple concept with a very big impact, Deanna Mason said. Here’s how it works:  Interested members download a membership form, complete it and return it to one of the organizers – or bring it to a meeting. By registering, members pledge $400, payable quarterly at meetings directly to a charity. The charity is chosen by majority vote. Members can nominate a charity by completing a nomination form prior to a meeting. 

At each meeting, three different members can make five-minute pitches for their charity of choice. Afterwards, members vote.

 

“You vote, write a check directly to the charity and from that point on, the meeting is over,” Deanna Mason said. “Later, a couple members go present the money to the charity.”

 

If more than three charities are nominated, names of those charities are placed in a basket and three are randomly chosen. 

 

It was while visiting Hilton Head that Deanna Mason was introduced to the concept.

 

“Women may not have time in their busy lives to volunteer, but they still want to help,” she said. “This is easy. It doesn’t take much time and you don’t have to fundraise and 100 percent of the donations go to charity and stays right here in Harrison County.”

 

If a member cannot make one of the four meetings, she can vote via proxy, Deanna Mason said.

 

The alliance was founded in 2006. There are presently 350 chapters across the world.

 

“There is only one other chapter in West Virginia and that’s in Huntington,” Deanna Mason said.

 

In addition to the financial benefit to local charities, the concept promotes networking, forms friendships and provides important social time to busy women.

 

“Also, the women learn more about charity organizations in their own community,” Deanna Mason said. That can result in even more positives, including potential volunteerism and involvement, she said.

 

If the Harrison County chapter becomes too large, it will be divided into smaller groups. Perhaps a men’s group or children’s group will also evolve, Deanna Mason said.

 

The possibilities are endless as are the positive impact on agencies and organizations which serve on a daily basis, she said.

 

So far, community response has been great, Deanna Mason said. 

 

"I haven't talked to anyone who didn't want to be part of this," she said. 

 

For more information, visit the chapter’s Facebook page, where all forms can be downloaded. Learn more about the worldwide alliance HERE. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured from top are Deanna Mason and Natalie Mason.