Continuing this year’s Strive for Five mantra, Indian River Impact 100 feted new and perspective members at a Champagne and Chocolate Mix and Mingle at the Riverhouse last Wednesday. As the Impact 100 model calls for annual member contributions of $1,100, they are hoping to reach 500 members this year, which would enable the distribution of five $100,000 grants to local nonprofits. The $100 contribution funds operational expenses.
“We had this event to welcome new members and have them connect with other members, because one of the things about Impact that is so special is making new friends,” said Suzi McCoy Shriner, membership chair.
“We’ve had a great response this year with members really coming together and working hard as a team to attract new members. Collective giving is a concept that really resonates with women.”
After some mixing and mingling, she, along with president Tracy Sorzano and president-elect Mary Ellen McCarthy, spoke briefly to the ladies.
“I don’t want to pressure anybody, but if you want to vote to decide who will be receiving our $100,000 grants this year, you need to get your money in by Feb. 28 and you need to get your friends to get their money in by Feb. 28,” said McCoy Shriner.
“For new members that don’t know, we have this wonderful vetting process for our grants, and at the annual meeting, if we have $500,000 to give away, we will give away five $100,000 grants. You each get to vote for five different grants,” she explained.
“It is a tremendous opportunity for us to make a real difference in this community,” said Sorzano, noting that Impact has granted more than $5 million to 65 projects over the past 14 years. “We know the need is there. Over the past few years, COVID has really demonstrated the need is just insurmountable.”
She said the “impact of Impact” has had a ripple effect that demonstrates the effectiveness of pooled resources.
“To be able to collectively give $100,000 to an organization, to a project that can change the lives of so many people in this community, is incredible, so thank you for being a part of this,” said Sorzano.
“I have to say that because I’ve been a member for 10 years, I have met so many great people. I think that’s part of the lure,” said McCarthy. “I really love what we do, and I love that we’re all so enthusiastic about it. Because that’s what makes a difference in this community, and we’ve made a lot. We’ve made a lot of good things happen in this community and we should all be proud of it. Yay us!”
Sorzano said that while members can be part of committees such as membership, marketing, visioning, grants, community partners and sponsorships, members can also just write a check to make a difference.
“That’s fine. We’re happy for you to do that. But if you want to get involved, if you want to meet other people, if you’re new to the community, then we encourage getting involved on a committee.”
As of last Wednesday, there were 486 members in good standing, so the push is on to reach 500 before the signup deadline of Feb. 28. Grant finalists will be announced March 3 at a member-only event at the Riverhouse, and the final vote to determine which nonprofits will receive $100,000 grants will take place April 13.
For more information, visit impact100ir.com.
Photos by Kaila Jones
