Philanthropic women packed the Oak Harbor Club last Wednesday morning to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Indian River Impact 100 with a Membership Kickoff Brunch, raising their champagne glasses to toast ‘Cheers to 10 years.’

“Thanks to your generosity, Impact 100 in Indian River County has totaled $3.3 million,” said Suzanne Carter, board president. “That is a remarkable achievement in nine years and could not have been accomplished without everybody’s generosity.”

By following the Impact 100 model of one woman giving $1,000 and having one vote toward each $100,000 grant, she said they have been able to award $100,000 grants to 31 agencies, plus provide 21 smaller grants.

Members of the Indian River Charter High School’s Theatre program, a 2014 transformational grant recipient, got the morning off to a rousing start with a cheer and a musical production number under the direction of Theatre Director Michael Naffziger.

Guest speaker Wendy Steele, who founded Impact 100 in 2001 while living in Cincinnati, shared the history of the organization. She said the idea came to her with the knowledge that, “When we give our hearts, our minds and our checkbooks to the community, good things start to happen. Look around your community. You’re a part of that enormous transformation right here.”

Since 2001, when 123 women pooled their $1,000 contributions, Impact 100 has grown to include more than 50 chapters worldwide with another 16 in development. Collectively, women have donated more than $56 million back into their own communities, $1,000 at a time.

“The Impact model is simple; running an Impact organization takes a lot of work,” said Steele. “It’s difficult, but it’s worth it. It transforms lives.”

Crediting the women of Indian River Impact 100 for setting the bar in terms of leadership, she added, “It takes all of us. When we come together we see our community grow.”

Dace Stubbs, the 10th anniversary sponsor, recognized the visionary founders of Indian River Impact 100. The event’s other sponsors were The Hill Group and FPL.

Guests also heard from Shining Light Garden founder Joel Bray, a 2014 Impact grant recipient, and Louise Carmack, a volunteer with Our Father’s Table, one of the many food kitchens receiving nutritious fresh vegetables from Shining Light’s now 20-acre farm.

In closing, President-Elect Denise Battaglini encouraged additional members to sign up, saying, “The more people who join, the more money we raise and the more impact we can have on the community.”

For more information, visit impact100ir.com.