IMPACT 100 of Pensacola Bay Area gave out checks for $100,300 to eleven local nonprofits yesterday. It was a joyful afternoon. Hundreds of women listened to 15 agencies give their 5 minute speeches, trying to persuade us that they had a deserving project to benefit the community. Each project had to be clearly defined and not able to be accomplished within their normal budget. Grant submissions were earlier narrowed down to the top three in five categories: Arts and Culture; Education; Environment, Recreation and Preservation; Family; Health and Wellness.
With the very first speech, most of us were digging out Kleenex as the speaker described a therapy dog comforting a dying 6-year old and his grieving father. There were more requests for the dog than Scout could accommodate, so the request was for a grant to fund the purchase and training of 4 more therapy dogs. Our inner-city high school band boosters secured a grant to buy various instruments for students whose families cannot afford them. A Booster Mom and young student attested to the value. The junior girl said, “I was angry all the time and people thought I was mean. Now I’m much more calm and happier. My instrument makes me feel whole. My grades are better, too.” Yet another grant requested was for Re-entry Portal (REAP) – Pathway for Success. Three years ago, IMPACT 100 funded REAP for men being released from prison. One of the presenters, Kevin, told how much he was helped then. “Now I’m Director of Operations! And I want to provide the same transition services for women as we’ve been doing for men.”
Even the agencies that do not receive a grant often benefit afterwards. They have been “vetted” by IMPACT and individuals and businesses pitch in to help. Council on Aging’s adult day-care center’s yard, for example, was beautified for the clients by a local hardware store.
Collectively, we have witnessed the tangible benefits of women’s philanthropy through IMPACT 100. How rewarding!
by Kathleen Vestal Logan, MS, MA October 15, 2018