By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast
OGALLALA, Neb. — A simple idea continues to make a significant impact across Keith County.
Since forming in January 2020, 100+ Women Who Care Keith County has donated $253,925 to local nonprofits and community organizations, including a recent $10,100 donation to area volunteer fire departments following this spring's wildfires.
Kerri Anderson, one of the group's organizers, said the April meeting looked a little different than usual.
"Instead of holding a regular meeting, we decided we needed to support the area fire departments who protected so much of the quality and value of our land, our buildings, our livestock and our families," Anderson said. "I'm proud to report that we gave $10,100 to the four fire departments."
The organization consists of women who commit to donating $100 each quarter. At each meeting, members hear presentations from three local nonprofit organizations before voting to determine which group receives that quarter's combined donations.
With roughly 100 members participating, Anderson said the group's impact has continued to grow.
"Individually we can make a difference, but our impact is so much bigger as we work together," she said.
Since its inception, dozens of local organizations have benefited from the program, including the Keith and Arthur County Food Pantry, CASA, volunteer fire departments, the Ogallala Music Boosters, American Legion Post 211, the Keith County Historical Society, the Ogallala Tree Board and the Backpack Program that helps provide meals to children during weekends and summer months.
Anderson said one of the organization's greatest strengths is that every dollar stays local.
"We're very proud of the women in our community who want to work together for the betterment of so many different areas of Keith County," she said.
She recalled the emotional response from the Friends of FFA organization after receiving funding to help establish the local FFA program.
"The joy, the tears and the appreciation were incredible," Anderson said. "You have to attend a meeting and witness some of that because it really does make a difference."
The next 100+ Women Who Care Keith County meeting will be held Monday, July 13, at the Hayloft upstairs at Front Street Steakhouse in Ogallala.
Dinner begins at 5 p.m., with the meeting starting promptly at 6 p.m. and concluding by 7 p.m.
Members will hear presentations from:
-Ogallala Volleyball Academy
-Ogallala PTO
-Perkins County Animal Clinic
Although located in Grant, Anderson said the Perkins County Animal Clinic qualifies because Keith County does not have a no-kill shelter, and animals from Keith County are often cared for and adopted through the organization.
The public is welcome to attend and learn more about the organization, though only members are eligible to vote. Reservations are only required for those planning to eat dinner.
Meal options include sautéed steak tips with baked potato and roasted broccoli or a club salad featuring turkey, ham, bacon, egg and cheese, with both meals priced at $16.
Women interested in joining the organization can attend the meeting to learn more before committing to membership.