Women’s group tops $500,000 in giving to charities

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ/Press Release) – 100 Women Lexington, a local women’s donor organization, recently exceeded the $500,000 mark for funds raised and distributed to 10 partner non-profit agencies since its inception.

This organization annually distributes its membership dues to local non-profits providing programs and services for women and children in Central Kentucky.

These agencies include: Ampersand, Arbor Youth Services, CASA, Child Development Center, Chrysalis House, Greenhouse 17, New Opportunity School for Women, One Parent Scholar, Refuge for Women and The Nest.

Since 2014, more than 150 women have joined 100 Women Lexington and donated their annual $1,000 membership dues to one or more of the organization’s ten partner agencies.

“The funding decision is entirely up to the member. This is one reason 100 Women Lexington has been successful and is now celebrating this half million-dollar milestone,” said co-founder Kathy Plomin. “Each member can choose how to spend their membership dues among these partner agencies. It is like having their own personal charitable foundation.”

Agency executives have been grateful for this ongoing support.

“For many years, Greenhouse17 has been blessed to be a part of 100 Women. 100 Women has supported organizations like ours throughout the community to ensure women’s and girls’ needs are met,” said Darlene Thomas, executive director at Greenhouse17.

“100 Women works hard to raise funds to help Kentucky’s youth. The dollars they’ve raised have helped cover things like groceries and costs associated with getting youth off the streets and into safe and stable housing,” add Lori Clemons, executive director at Arbor Youth.

Due to the challenges facing non-profits this year, many members paid their dues in the spring to make funds available earlier to the agencies and the people they serve.

“It made sense to provide monetary support at a time of much need. It was so gratifying to hear how much this early distribution meant to the agencies,” said Executive Committee member Penny Warren.

To learn more about membership in 100 Women Lexington and how to help make a difference, visit 100womenlexingtonton.org or the 100 Women Lexington Facebook page.