MEETING RECAP

Last night, members gathered at Peterman Auditorium to celebrate 100 Women Who Care - Elk Rapids Area's 5th year. Since "wood" is the traditional 5th year anniversary gift, Peg Asmus, donned in lumberjack attire, remarked how our "tree" has become a rooted community of 280+ givers and that our "branches" have extended to include collection drives, Harbor Days participation and even inspire another 100 Women Who Care chapter in Antrim County.

 

Next, we heard from three members passionate about causes and organizations that improve the quality of life in Antrim County. Peg Whisler presented on behalf of Communities in Schools of Northwest Michigan, Nancy Taylor introduced us to 22 2 None; and Deana Jerdee shared the work of Paddle Antrim. 

 

Members selected Communities in Schools of Northwest Michigan to receive our collective donation. The funds will be used to place CIS coordinators inside several Antrim County Schools to provide support for students who struggle with emotional regulation skills and mental wellness, students who qualify for special education services, students whose families struggle financially or have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences. Communities in Schools' mission is to support these students so that they stay in school, advance to the next grade level, make connections and build hope through their relationship with their CIS coordinator.

 

TWO WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DONATION:

1.    Make your $100 check payable to Communities in Schools of Northwest Michigan and either:

• DROP OFF YOUR CHECK AT: Northwood Blooms/The Hair Parlor located at 114 River Street, Elk Rapids. (This is right across the street from the Post Office and will save you a stamp!)

• MAIL YOUR CHECK TO: 100 Women Who Care-Elk Rapids Area, PO Box 722, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629 

Please remit your check (please do NOT send cash)  by June 5.
 

2.    Pay via Grapevine:

• If you are enrolled in the "tri-annual subscription" option, no action is required!  Your automatic withdrawal will take place on May 30, 2026. (Remember, your credit card statement will show "Grapevine Giving Foundation" and not the name of the selected nonprofit.)

• Use Grapevine's "One-Time" feature by simply signing onto your Grapevine account, selecting “One Time” and completing the amount on your home page. After hitting the “Donate” button, you’ll go to a second page to enter or verify your credit card information. You’ll also see an option to consider a donation to Grapevine Community Support before completing. Please donate only on our 100 Women Who Care - Elk Rapids Area page and NOT on one you may see for the Communities in Schools of Northwest Michigan as we cannot track these donations for our collective gift. 

• Sign up for Grapevine for the first time HERE
  
  Direct any Grapevine inquiries to Deb Broderick at broderickdeb@gmail.com
  
  
  REPORT FROM OUR AUGUST RECIPIENT - ANTRIM WOMEN'S ALLIANCE 'S ANTRIM SCHOLARS PROGRAM
  
  On behalf of Antrim Women's Alliance, Pam Singer reported on the growth of the Antrim Scholars Program thanks to our December, 2026 gift. Pam also noted that several members of our group help the Antrim Scholars program in meaningful ways and that they continue to welcome support from any additional members. Next, we heard from the four Antrim Scholars seniors who will all be attending Northern Michigan University this fall. Each student shared their personal journeys and how the Antrim Scholars Program was pivotal to their ability to become first generation college students. Their stories underscored the program’s growing impact, especially considering that last year only one student from Central Lake High School attended a four-year college.
   

MARK YOUR 2026 CALENDARS

 

August 5 -8 - Harbor Days "Give a Shift" and Parade

August 20 at 5:30 pm - Giving Meeting at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort Pavilion

December 10 at 5:00 pm - Giving Meeting at HERTH

 

 

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors listed below with a special shout out to Fischer Insurance for sponsoring last night's meeting and for providing swag.

 

 

Henry David Thoreau said "Trees indeed have hearts." So, too, do all of you for showing your compassionate support of Antrim County nonprofits.

 

"The Crew" - Peg Asmus, Deb Broderick, Carol Heles & Cindy Zarow

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