Since life coach Deb Bergeron of Falmouth founded the Southern Maine chapter of 100+ Women Who Care just over a decade ago, the giving circle has donated $684,000 to dozens of local initiatives.

“100+ Women Who Care of Southern Maine is a living, breathing example of the extraordinary power we have when women come together to help those in need,” Bergeron said. “I truly feel blessed to be part of such a vital and compassionate community.”

At the Feb. 10 quarterly meeting at the Elks Lodge in Portland, anticipation was high that the organization could reach the 500-member mark. To do so, they needed at least five women to join — and they got 16.

“Seeing all those women who want to give back, I had goosebumps,” said new member Sandra Holland, a chef from Bath. “I appreciate that my relatively modest contribution, because the group is so large, results in a significant gift.”

With 500+ members committed to donating $50, the giving circle will be able to raise $25,000 for one nonprofit each quarter in just an hour (not including time spent mingling over drinks and a potluck before getting down to business).

Here’s how it works: The names of three nominated nonprofits are drawn at random. Women representing those nonprofits make impromptu five-minute pitches and answer questions. Then the members cast a secret ballot to determine the recipient of their collective giving.
This month, members heard from:

Independent Seniors Network, which matches volunteers with older adults in the Greater Portland area who want to age in place but need occasional help with things like a ride to an appointment.

Grace-Street Ministry, which provides emotional, material and spiritual support to marginalized people on the streets of Portland.

A new cultural doula training program through In Her Presence at Frances Warde House, a home for pregnant immigrant women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

When votes were counted, it was clear that many members wanted to direct the largest portion of giving to the leanest organization: Independent Seniors Network.

Grace-Street Ministry and In Her Presence will each receive at least $2,000, thanks to corporate sponsorships and members who chose to give beyond the basic commitment.

And the ripple effect continues, as many giving circle members find organizations where they want to volunteer or give regularly.

“There’s so many places we can donate, and it can be hard to decide where,” said Alicia Greenwald of Portland. “This makes that easier. You just give every quarter, and it feels good.”

Camp No Limits, a nonprofit camp for children with limb loss or differences, won the quarterly vote in November and recently received $24,000 to support a sNOw Limits camp this week at Saddleback in partnership with Maine Adaptive. “It’s more than a number,” said Development Director Deb Maxfield. “It represents lives transformed and dreams realized.”’

For more information on 100+ Women Who Care Southern Maine, go to their website at 100womenwhocaresouthernmaine.com. There are similar organizations in the Midcoast area (100womenwhocaremidcoastmaine.com) and in Androscoggin County (facebook.com/100WomenWhoCareAndroscoggin/).

Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough. She can be reached at amyparadysz@gmail.com.