Women care for Seeds of Empowerment

Editor's note: 100+ Women Who Care is a group of women who care deeply about the Erie County community, according to its mission statement. The group gathers quarterly — in January, April, July and October — for a one-hour meeting, and each member writes a check for $100 to a charity that the group selects. SANDUSKY — In April, the 100+ Women Who Care organization met to decide which Erie County-based nonprofit would be receiving its latest donation as selected by members. The organization is a philanthropic group of women who meet quarterly and choose a local nonprofit as its recipient of monetary funds. At each meeting, three nonprofits are presented to the members, however, only one is collectively selected. Members chose Seeds of Empowerment to receive this quarter's donation. Between the 100-plus women in attendance and those unable to attend but previously sent their $100 checks by mail, Seeds of Empowerment in total received $15,800. Each member commits to donate $100. Seeds of Empowerment is dedicated to raising awareness and providing education in support of the anti-human trafficking movement. The funds donated will directly support community awareness events, provide basic necessities to individuals rescued from human trafficking, and assist with their literacy program at the jail. After all funds were collected from the membership, they were presented to Lara Wilken and Tracy McGinley, representing Seeds of Empowerment. These two women are actively involved in Seeds of Empowerment in the area and were so grateful for the donation. People can learn more by visiting facebook.com and searching for "Seeds of Empowerment" located in Sandusky. Want to join? This meeting also focused on increasing the membership totals. Because of members bringing friends or family, the group was happy to welcome 19 new members. Anyone interested in joining the 100+ Women Who Care in Erie County organization can visit 100womenwhocareineriecounty.com for more information about the organization, its purpose, meeting times, past recipients of donations and how to become a member. To date, the organization has donated more than $466,000 since its founding in 2016. At our October meeting, the group will celebrate its 10 years in helping to make an impact in Erie County: from donations to its members. But before that, there is a meeting scheduled for July 9. If you would like to join us in supporting local charities and making an impact in Erie Co, please join us at the Sandusky Yacht Club. Social time, which is optional, is from 5:30-6:15 p.m. followed by the regular meeting from 6:15-7:15 p.m.