The ladies of Impact 100 took a different approach for its annual Fall Kickoff event, which formerly packed the Oak Harbor Clubhouse for the traditional Kickoff Brunch. This time, for safety’s sake, 10 members opened their homes to host smaller groups at Kickoff Receptions to ‘Reconnect and Re-Energize with Impact 100.’
As ladies mingled over platters of hors d’oeuvres from Adrienne Drew Catering and assorted wines, they got to know one another, and prospective members were able to get any questions answered.
Hostesses had downloaded a Kickoff Video, so that everyone could hear a message from Tracy Sorzano, the 14th president of Indian River Impact 100.
Sorzano noted that despite having to adapt to an entirely virtual environment last year, the nonprofit was still able to reach 426 members and awarded four $100,000 grants. The other finalists split the remaining $26,000.
“We hope that you will be moved to join us this year, as we strive for five. Our goal is to grow to at least 500 members so that we can award five $100,000 grants in April 2022,” said Sorzano.
“We were once again supported by the generosity of our loyal sponsors, FPL and the Hill Group. We are ever so grateful that even during the most challenging times these sponsors have remained committed to Impact 100 and our mission.”
For those new to Impact 100, she explained the simple concept: One woman, $1,000, one vote. Together one big difference.
Over the past 13 years, Impact 100 has provided more than $5 million in grants to 65 nonprofit organizations to fund a diverse group of programs. Programs, which must benefit Indian River County residents, are categorized as: Arts and Culture, Children and Families, Education, Environment, and Health and Wellness.
“The women of Impact 100 share a desire to improve our community through collective giving, knowing that our pooled resources can make a greater impact than our individual contributions. This is team philanthropy in action. This is the spirit of Impact,” said Sorzano.
With every contribution of $1,100, women can become a member and have a vote in what projects are funded in the spring. One thousand dollars is pooled to fund $100,000 grants, and the remaining $100 covers administrative expenses.
“This is how we change our community one program at a time. This is the process of Impact,” said Sorzano.
She added that projects at the newest Community Partners – Crossover Mission, Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, Veterans Council of Indian River County and SafeSpace, Inc. – are already having an impact on many residents.
“This is the impact of Impact,” said Sorzano.
Guests also heard in the video from two of the 65 Community Partners, who spoke about how lives are being changed for the better as a result of the grants.
“I feel privileged to be a part of this organization as its president,” said Sorzano, thanking the hard-working board and committees for their dedication to the organization.
“We are so fortunate to have a strong membership committed to making this community a better place,” said Sorzano. “Remember, individually we can do good; together we can do so much more.”
For more information, visit impact 100ir.com.
Photos by Kaila Jones
