By Allison Peck | Sandhills Post
Listen to the full interview with Kerri Anderson on our Kubota Podcast
OGALLALA — Local women are proving that small contributions can make a big difference with 100+ Women Who Care – Keith County, a group that combines resources to support nonprofit organizations throughout the county.
The group, organized in 2019, meets four times a year for just one hour, with members contributing $100 each per meeting. The collective donations, often totaling more than $10,000 per quarter, go directly to local charities selected by majority vote at each meeting. Since its first gathering in January 2020, the Keith County chapter has donated more than $233,000 to area nonprofits.
“Even as individuals, it would be difficult to make this kind of impact,” said Keri Anderson, one of the organizers. “But when we come together, the difference we can make for our community is huge.”
Meetings are held upstairs at Front Street in the Hayloft in Ogallala, with women arriving at 5 p.m. for an optional meal and the meeting starting promptly at 6 p.m. Each session features three nonprofits presenting their case for funding with 10-minute presentations and five minutes for questions. Ballots are then counted and the winning organization announced that night, with new presenters drawn for the following quarter.
The group serves communities across Keith County, including Ogallala, Paxton, Keystone, Lemoyne, and Brule. Over the years, donations have supported a wide range of local causes, including, but not limited to, the Paxton Library, Keith County Historical Society, senior centers, Friends of the FFA, Royal Family Kids Camp, the American Legion Post 135, the Regional Arts Council, the Food Pantry, the Backpack Program, and Bridge of Hope.
Anderson said the Paxton Library, the group’s first recipient, had an annual budget of less than $5,000. The $10,000 donation allowed the library to expand services and resources significantly.
“For them to receive that kind of support in one giving was incredible,” Anderson said.
The upcoming January 12 meeting will feature presentations from Keep Keith County Beautiful, the Backpack Program, and First Impressions. Anderson encourages women interested in joining to attend, even without committing immediately.
“Come see what it’s all about, talk to the organizations, and see the impact firsthand,” she said.
Meals for the January 12 meeting are optional and require advance orders. Options include creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne for $15, chicken corn chowder soup in a bread bowl for $12, and grilled steak tips with mashed potatoes and asparagus for $21. Meal orders must be submitted by 8 a.m. Sunday, though women who do not plan to eat are welcome to attend the meeting at 6 p.m.
Anderson said the group’s impact goes beyond the money donated. “Sometimes you can talk yourself out of giving $50 or $100, but when you join together with a hundred women or more, the impact is huge. Watching these organizations receive funding, seeing their reaction — it’s overwhelming and emotional, and it makes it worth every minute,” she said.
100+ Women Who Care – Keith County offers a simple, meaningful way for women to give back, connect with other community members, and make a lasting local impact — all in just one hour per quarter.
The next meeting is Monday, January 12, with meal beginning at 5 p.m. , upstairs at Front Street Steakhouse and the meeting will begin promptly at 6 p.m. If you plan to join the meal portion of the evening, RSVP with meal choices must be in by 8 a.m. on January 8.