The atmosphere vibrates with excitement as people crowd into the Caspar Community Center on a beautiful recent summer evening. Rotating celebrants squeal and hug delightedly as they encounter friends and snake through the crush to fetch snacks and wine from an array toward the back of the joyful hubbub, stopping every few feet to chat. Some try to inspire friends to vote for their favorite nonprofit, while outside on the porch, a line forms for attendees who haven’t already contributed online to add their hundred-plus-dollar checks to the ten-thousand-dollar prize that will soon go to a lucky, yet-to-be-selected local nonprofit group.
It’s a competition for a coveted award, yet a feeling of connectedness and goodwill reigns in the crowded room, a feeling which has come to be expected by returning friends and donors to 100 Women Strong Mendocino Coast twice-yearly events. This, after all, is the third and biggest gathering so far of this ingenious “Grassroots Giving Circle,” which raises money for charitable organizations on the coast, and the guests know what they are doing: they know it’s time to “put the women in charge” (a wink from from Keb Mo’s soulful anthem, “Put a Woman In Charge”), to help sustain the crucial, often unsung work that nearly two hundred coastal charitable organizations do for our community, and it does that without a formal organization or official leadership. It’s a community-building gathering of volunteer “good-doers doing good” in an effective, kindly, fair-minded, and most joyful way.
And of course, this big-hearted effort is initiated by, but emphatically not limited to, participation by women! As over a hundred fifty people stream through the doors—families with children and women of all ages, often accompanied by a husband, partner, or several friends—it is like an all-in-one reunion, celebration, networking event, and party. People eagerly discuss the nonprofits that are under consideration and make their way to the “Nomination Station” to nominate up to three organizations for the next event, which will occur in six months on the coast.
It takes a long time to quiet the bubbling energy of the standing-room-only crowd as the microphones are turned on. Jamie Peters and Meagan Demitz, the volunteer emcees, welcome the crowd, then ground the evening in a “land acknowledgment” of the original people who inhabited the coast, and finally introduce the three presenters who drew straws to determine which nonprofit would make the first pitch.
Diana Coryat and Loreto Rojas, Co-Directors of the Monday morning KZYX Spanish language radio show MendoLatino.’Shortly following the event, we received many calls from community members and organizations wanting to partner with us or receive more information. It hit home that the visibility 100 Women Strong gave MendoLatino and Nuestro Norte/Our North, the oral history and storytelling project we were pitching, was great. Even though we did not “win” or receive the most votes, we were a recipient of a five-thousand-dollar grant, which has gone directly into the production of our next podcast,’ said Diana. Photo by Ashok Khosla.
Co-Directors Loreto Rojas and Diana Coryat of MendoLatino, the Monday morning Spanish-speaking local affairs radio show on KZYX&Z, initiate the well-honed five-minute presentations, powerfully describing the goals and achievements of their public radio programming, which aims to “make visible the voices, histories, cultures, and perspectives of the local Latinx community.” Their goal, if they are the recipients of the prize, is to document and record seven stories—oral histories “of people who have shaped our economy and culture for decades.”
Next to approach the mic is Erin Brazill who represents Art Explorers, the organization that provides multi-media art experiences for adults with developmental disabilities or brain injuries. Brazill explains that the funds would purchase ergonomic equipment for the clients so that “everybody can do art the way that feels best for their particular bodies.”
Anne Semans of the Kelley House Museum is the final presenter. She explains that the funds would be used to support research and explore stories of the community that are less visible, such as their recent exhibit about the first Black man on the coast during the Gold Rush era. She ends with a heartfelt plea to the audience that “when you cultivate future generations of trust seekers, they become advocates for the truth.”
As the presentations close, the crowd erupts into excited conversation, debating and discussing who will receive their vote. After ten minutes, volunteers collect the ballots and participants go silent as the organizers gather at the front of the room after counting and recounting the votes. It’s called “100 Women Strong,” but many, many more than one hundred women showed up. It was a close count, the emcees explained, thanking the representatives from each organization for coming, and sharing that the two runners-up will each be awarded about five thousand dollars. For tonight, though, it’s Art Explorers that will take away the grand prize of ten thousand dollars. The room erupts into cheers, celebrating the event, celebrating the night, celebrating each other and the community that made it all happen.
U’ilani Wesley Moore, Executive Director of Xa Kako Dile:, reports on the funds at the Fall 2023 event. Xa Kako Dile:, an Indigenous, women-led organization co-created in connection with ancestral Pomo lands to center traditional ecological knowledge, heal the land, and build community resilience through culture, food, medicine, and education, was the winner of the inaugural 100 Women Strong coastal event. Photo provided.
The Model
With an established history of successful, focused giving across the globe, the 100 Women Strong model debuted on the Mendocino coast in April 2023. The model is simple and has long benefited other communities, including those in inland Mendocino County: community members are encouraged to each donate one hundred dollars—individually or as a group—before the event. At each event, three nonprofits chosen by popular vote at the previous event—each delivers a five-minute presentation, then answers five additional minutes of audience questions about their purpose, mission, impact, and need. Each person who has donated and is in attendance will place a vote, and the winner is announced “live.”
The winning organization receives a ten-thousand-dollar donation, and any funds raised beyond the ten-thousand-dollar threshold are divided equally among the other two nonprofits. This approach ensures that all three organizations benefit. One of the most powerful aspects of this volunteer-driven model is that 100 percent of the collected donations are immediately distributed, and the funds can be used for the organization’s greatest area of need. “Funds given without restriction allow us to use donations to the fullest impact, and help our organization to grow in critical ways,” says Anne Semans, Executive Director of the Kelley House, and one of the Spring 2024 nominees.
Each event is a representation of true collective action. The food at the Spring 2024 event was donated by Harvest Market, and prepared by Dalen Anderson and the wonderful volunteers at the Caspar Community Center; the venue was donated by Caspar Community Center, who also volunteered to staff the bar; wine was donated from Brashley Vineyards, Handley Cellars, and Toulouse Vineyards; plants were provided by Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, and the sound system was run by students from Mendocino High School’s Student Powered Radio—KAKX and supported by their teacher, Marshall Brown. In addition, a committee of over sixty diverse coastal members help to steward the decisions of the group, spread the word, and provide critical support for the night of the event.
“It is a truly innovative model of crowd-funded philanthropy and a darn good time to boot,” says Anne Semans. Diana Coryat, Co-Director of MendoLatino, and fellow Spring 2024 nominee, echoes this sentiment. “We were thrilled to participate at the 100 Women Strong event,” she notes. “It is a great model that encourages individuals to invest in grassroots organizations.”
Diana Coryat adds that, “Loreto and I found the process to be a great learning process, especially working with Meagan Demitz to refine a five-minute pitch. Easier said than done! Also, shortly following the event, we received many calls from community members and organizations wanting to partner with us or receive more information. It hit home that the visibility that 100 Women Strong gave MendoLatino, and the oral history and storytelling project we were pitching (called Nuestro Norte/Our North) was great. That event raised twenty thousand dollars, so even though we did not “win” or receive the most votes, we were a recipient of a five-thousand-dollar grant, which has gone directly into the production of our next podcast.”
Holly Madrigal is a community organizer and ‘manifester’ on the Mendocino Coast. She has participated in 100 Women Strong Inland Mendocino since 2019 and is the catalyst for a coastal launch. She is supported by Lia Holbrook, Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation. Photo provided.
The History
The 100 Women Strong history is grounded in grassroots community action. The first local 100 Women Strong event was held in Ukiah in Spring 2019. Initially starting with four events a year, the group has distributed over two hundred thousand dollars to date, supporting fifteen nonprofits. The group took a pause during the height of the pandemic but resumed their giving circle in 2022. The model has evolved over the years and proven itself a resilient and motivated collective. The next 100+ Women Strong Inland Mendocino Event will be held on Thursday, October 3, at Barra of Mendocino. There are two events on the Mendocino coast each year, and two events inland, which both follow a Spring/Fall schedule, and the coast and inland events are usually held within a few weeks of each other. GuideStar identifies about twelve hundred nonprofits that operate in Mendocino County, which includes tiny ones such as individual booster clubs. Many of these hard-working groups struggle to fund the important work they do, so the collective giving circle supplies real benefits in numerous ways.
Inspired by the successful events in Ukiah, a small group of coast locals recognized a need for a similar initiative on the coast. “I was so moved by the impact of the Ukiah group, led by Katie Fairbairn, Heidi Cusick Dickerson, Karen Christopherson, and others,” says Holly Madrigal, one of the founders of 100 Women Strong Mendocino Coast. “Their ability to rally people and create significant impact inspired me. I still remember going to the first event and feeling the amazing energy of 100+ women and their loved ones in a room, rallying support for their own community. After moving to the coast and seeing how many organizations were struggling post-pandemic, I reached out to friends to see if they’d be interested in starting a similar initiative here. The response was overwhelmingly positive.”
The planning group—led by Holly, Lia Holbrook, Meagan Demitz, Anna Levy, and Jamie Peters—began connecting with local “movers and shakers” to identify key ambassadors to spread the word and build awareness about the event. “One of the first questions people often ask,” says Holly, “is why the focus on women? I like to say that we know that when women are uplifted, the whole community benefits. While focusing on women as a mobilizing force, people of all genders are invited to contribute, attend, and show their support at the events.” The planning group was initially still determining if there would be an appetite on the coast to fund this model. Holly continues, “We know people are making daily decisions about managing their budgets, and asking people to contribute one hundred dollars twice a year was not a small ask. However, it became clear incredibly fast that what we all love and appreciate about the coast and Mendocino County holds—we care about each other and want to support our nonprofit heroes.” Holly’s proposal has resulted in the coast cluster having distributed an impressive $56,500 to nine local groups to date:
Art Explorers, Inc.
Mendocino Coast Humane Society
Xa Kako Dile:
Previous nominees:
Action Network
While the 100 Women Strong model is worldwide, it is not overseen by any entity, which means that each local contingent can shape and form itself to the needs of its own community. To establish the guidelines for the efforts, the planning team invited a broad swath of community members to an initial “Core Group” meeting, in which they worked through proposed guidelines and policies for the event. The committee established the criteria for nonprofit consideration.
In order for a nonprofit to be considered, nonprofit nominees must meet the following criteria based on information made publicly available in Guidestar, and through self-certification:
The nonprofit is a 501 c3 in good standing (and has sufficient cash flow with an intent to be in operation for at least another year)
The nonprofit has existed for over a year
The nonprofit has an active, governing Board of Directors
The nonprofit has a presence on the coast (Westport to Gualala) and provides services to coastal community members
The nonprofit commits to using the profits on coast-centered projects and needs
Because this was the first 100 Women Strong meeting on the coast, the Core Group also went through an anonymous voting process to select the first group of nonprofit nominees: Action Network, Flockworks, and Xa Kako Dile:. In all subsequent events, the nominated nonprofits have come directly from nominations from the attendees.
Once the nonprofits were selected, 100 Women Strong Mendocino Coast volunteer Meagan Deamitz helped the nominated nonprofits refine their pitches, supporting them in presenting their goals eloquently and efficiently, work that will be a lasting tool for a nonprofit’s ongoing communication to potential donors. “This is a great opportunity for organizations to think about their unique message. I love supporting nonprofits in finding ways to share the stories of their impact.”
One of the Spring 2024 nonprofits penned a letter of thanks to Meagan and the 100 Women Strong Mendocino Coast team, sharing her experience with the nonprofit coaching: “I truly feel like working with you has given me skills and insight that I will use all my life. It was so lovely to do this as a little team. It was always a fun and inspiring process, and I feel like I got to know everyone so much better. I never felt alone when I was talking because I knew we had all crafted the words and that you were all right there with me. I am so very appreciative of this experience…I know it is something I will look back on all my life.”
Sheila Semans, Executive Director for the Noyo Center for Marine Science and a Fall 2023 nominee, echoed this sentiment. “The support from 100 Women Strong provides value far beyond the dollar amounts awarded. We are constantly looking for ways to increase awareness about climate drive impacts to our oceans, and this event provided a new and exciting way to engage with our community.”
At the outset of the planning, the Community Foundation of Mendocino County signed on to support this initiative, generously offering to intake donations through their portal and distribute the funds. “The Community Foundation was such a natural fit for this project,” shares Jamie. “They have a long history of supporting and building capacity for local nonprofits and are trusted as a financial institution.” Lia Holbrook, Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation and volunteer on the planning team agreed, “It was important to the planning team and the Community Foundation to clearly define the Foundation’s role. The Community Foundation provides operational and underwriting support, including an account to manage and distribute the donation fund, but has no role in the selection or award of the nonprofit. The Foundation’s primary goal is to help ensure that all donations go directly to the nonprofit and help to nurture collective giving in our communities.” Due to the successful partnership between the Community Foundation and the coastal 100 Women Strong, the Community Foundation also agreed to intake and distribute funds for 100+ Women Strong Inland Mendocino. The efforts of both groups, though separate, share a common goal: to foster a thriving and connected nonprofit community.
Judy Martin, Executive Director of Mendocino Coast Humane Society, receives the winning check from the 2023 gathering.
Looking Forward
Like any grassroots project, the 100 Women Strong initiative is always looking ahead and exploring ways to evolve. Organizer Anna Levy says, “We’re working hard to prepare for the next event. We’re also exploring ways to encourage a culture of giving among young people and hope to involve high school students in the future.” Ideas for doing so include a potential model of sponsorship where donors could “pay it forward” by giving more than one hundred dollars in order to provide someone else—such as a teenager or someone less financially secure—the opportunity to participate. Building a culture of generosity and instilling a sense of responsibility in young people ensures the future of our communities’ nonprofit organizations.
The next 100 Women Strong Mendocino Coast gathering will be held on October 16 at Eagles Hall, 210 North Corry Street, in Fort Bragg. Wine and snacks will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the program will start promptly at 6:00 p.m. “We are so appreciative that Stathi and Miranda Pappas were willing to donate the space for the event,” says Jamie. “One of the goals for the planning committee was to rotate venues, to increase accessibility options, and highlight our local venues. We have been blessed to grow our audience for each event, and Eagles Hall allows us space to ensure everyone is comfortable.” Because the Eagles Hall location only provides street parking, there will be a drop-off spot at the south door, next to the ramp, for anyone with limited mobility.
Circle of Horses, Gloriana Musical Theater, and Pacific Environmental Education Center are the nominees in consideration for the Fall 2024 gathering. Nominations for the Spring 2025 event will be collected at that meeting. Nonprofits and their supporters are encouraged to attend to advocate for their inclusion and participate in the generosity of this community-driven initiative.
If you wish to contribute to the event, you can pay at the door via cash or check. Contributions can also be made via PayPal or check in advance. Checks can be mailed in advance payable to:
Community Foundation of Mendocino County
“100 Women Strong Coast”
204 South Oak Street, Ukiah, CA 95482
PayPal contributions can be made on the Community Foundation website at: https://communityfound.org/community/leadership-projects/100-women-strong-mendocino-coast/
For more information about 100 Women Strong Mendocino Coast, contact:
coastal100womenstrong@gmail.com. The core group meets a few times a year to plan events and make decisions, and they always welcome extra help. As the saying goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” REM
