100+ Women Who Care Returns May 19th. For eleven years, one simple idea has proven incredibly powerful: gather women for one hour, pool generosity, and create immediate, local impact. On Tuesday, May 19th, the Otsego Community Foundation will once again bring this vision to life with its 11th annual 100+ Women Who Care event at North Life Church.
This one‑hour, high‑impact gathering brings women together to support Otsego County nonprofits that are addressing real needs in our community. Doors open at 5:00 PM, giving attendees the chance to meet nominated nonprofits, with the event running from 6:00–7:00 PM.
A Vision Born from Community
The 100+ Women Who Care model was brought to Otsego County through the vision of OCF Executive Director Dana Bensinger, who imagined a no‑frills, accessible fundraising event when she stepped into leadership in 2011. That vision became reality in 2016—and the impact has only grown.
“I fell in love with this concept that removes some common barriers associated with typical fundraising events,” said Bensinger. “This event allows local voices to share their love for the community.”
That first gathering brought together 152 women and raised $15,200 in just one hour. Since then, in only 10 hours of meeting together, 100+ Women Who Care has raised more than $170,000, benefiting 24 Otsego County nonprofits.
Celebrating Last Year’s Impact
Each year, attendees get to see the real‑world results of their giving.
During this year’s event, participants will hear an impact report from AAUW, the 2025 $5,000 grant recipient, sharing how their grant supported a STEM road trip to Michigan State University, giving local students the opportunity to explore future pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Be sure to watch this video from Giving Tree Food Pantry in Johannesburg, recipient of a $2,500 grant at last year’s event, sharing how this support helped strengthen their ability to serve individuals and families facing food insecurity in our community.
These stories serve as powerful reminders that one hour of collective generosity can create lasting, local change.
Fast Philanthropy for Busy Women
Each 100+ Women Who Care event follows a simple and thoughtful funding model:
- 50% of funds raised are awarded to the selected nonprofit for immediate community impact
- 50% strengthen the OCF Community Fund, ensuring long‑term support for the most urgent needs of Otsego County
“Our annual 100+ Women Who Care event is what I call fast philanthropy,” said Amanda Sosa, OCF Director of Donor Services. “It’s perfect for busy women who want to make a real impact in a short amount of time. You show up, you give, you connect—and you leave feeling inspired.”
Registration Is Open
Registration is $100, with all funds directed toward the evening’s collective impact.
Event Details
📅 Tuesday, May 19
📍 North Life Church – 115 E. Main St., Gaylord
🕔 Doors open at 5:00 PM
🕕 Event: 6:00–7:00 PM
👉 Learn more and register:
https://www.otsegofoundation.org/100-women-who-care/
Don’t Forget to Nominate
Nominations are one of the most meaningful parts of the event—and they are now open.
🗓 Nominations accepted through May 5
✔ Must be registered to nominate
✔ Nonprofits must be local and serving Otsego County
✔ Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3)s, government entities, or schools
If a nominee’s name is selected, they will be invited to briefly share why the organization matters to them. Stories can be personal, informative, or a mix of both—and all speakers are supported by a welcoming, encouraging room.
Join Us
Whether this is your first time attending or you’ve been part of this tradition before, we invite you to bring a friend, nominate a nonprofit you love, and be part of another unforgettable hour of generosity.
Together, we show just how powerful one meaningful hour can be.