100+ People Who Care Tewksbury To Hold Final Giving Event Of 2022

TEWKSBURY, MA — The members-only giving circle 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury will hold its final Giving Event of 2022 next week as one local nonprofit will receive an Impact Grant of $10,000 or more.

The event will take place on Dec. 13 at the Tewksbury Country Club, located at 1880 Main St. According to the leadership of 100+ People, everyone is invited to the event and there is no obligation to join the group or donate for those who attend.

At the event, three nonprofits will present to the membership of 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury, which has about 130 members. One nonprofit will be selected for the Impact Grant, while the others will receive between $1,000 and $3,000, according to the organization.

"With collective giving, we create a much bigger impact than an individual can," said Brent Conway, co-chair of 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury. "If you give a local group $100, that helps. If you nominate a local group and it receives $10,000 or more, that provides an opportunity for material change."

100+ People Who Care Tewksbury, which began in 2021, is one of 700 giving circles that fall under the umbrella of the national 100 Who Care Alliance.

Membership in the Tewksbury group is open to any Tewksbury resident who agrees to donate $100 per quarter, which then is donated to the nonprofit selected by the group.

The group meets quarterly, in March, June, September and December, to hear from the local nonprofit agencies and decide which one will receive the Impact Grant. The nonprofits are nominated by group members and vetted by 100+ People Giving Chair Beth McFadyen.

The three nonprofits scheduled to present at the Dec. 13 meeting are:

• Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell: Runs creative programs that inspire girls to be "strong, smart and bold." The organization strives to teach the independence and personal responsibility that girls need to succeed.
• Lowell Makes: A shared community workshop and laboratory. The organization's members are an organized group of local artists, engineers, makers and thinkers, who work together to provide tools and learning resources to the public.
• The Tewksbury Police Athletic League: Sponsors educational programs and recreational opportunities — like learn-to-skate seminars, community concerts and youth sports — that help promote positive relationships between law enforcement and youth.

Organizations that previously have received Impact Grants of $10,000 or more from 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury are: Alternative House, Catie's Closet, Into Action Recovery, Hidden Battles, Lazarus House and Plummer Youth Promise.

"I've heard from so many people that they want to give back to this community," said Event Chair Krissy Polimeno. "When 130 people band together, we have a simple mechanism to make a huge impact, but it requires very little in terms of time commitment."

The organization said it also seeks to increase the visibility of local nonprofits.

"In addition to raising funds that make a big local impact, our goal is to help our members and the wider community learn about all the amazing nonprofits serving the Merrimack Valley," said McFadyen.

McFadyen continued: "We currently have more than 50 groups in our quarterly selection process and encourage our members to nominate even more exceptional organizations and shine a spotlight on their important work."