Power in Numbers: 100+ Who Care Clackamas County

100+ Who Care dedicates itself to unwavering action. The goal is to unite 100 or more individuals, each donating $100 twice yearly, culminating in a $10,000+ donation to a local nonprofit organization. The money is collected and donated at semi-annual events held in April and October, and this month the committee is hoping for its largest turnout to date. “It’s nothing short of magical when you bring that many generous, caring people together to do something great,” says organizer Vanessa Zimmerman.

Vanessa, a mortgage broker by trade, started the Clackamas County chapter of 100+ Who Care in 2023. “It’s important to me to leave a legacy of positivity and generosity; this was the perfect opportunity,” she explains. Though the program is nationwide, there are no templates or instructions, so Vanessa started from scratch with just a website and a Facebook page. Finding that first 100 people took some legwork, but the initiative has continued to grow, and at most of their semi-annual events they meet or exceed their fundraising goals! 

The upcoming installment of 100+ Who Care is planned for October 23 and is graciously hosted, per usual, by Lori and Ken Arrigotti in the Antonio Ballroom above Backstop Bar & Grill. Lori is part of Vanessa’s committee, along with Amy Baez, Brooke Toma, Kerri Oliver and Brittney Hopping, who all work hard behind the scenes to prepare for the occasion. Local nonprofits can apply or are nominated by members, and three of them, names drawn from a hat, are invited to attend and share their stories. The committee provides locations where members can drop off their $100 check ahead of time if they can’t be there in person. They currently have over 130 members, and the group keeps growing. 

The event begins at 5 p.m. with a social and no-host bar where the three nominated organizations are invited to set up booths and educate members as to what they do: the program then starts at 6 p.m. The previous winner shares how the donated funds grew their programs, followed by a short presentation from each nonprofit before the group votes and a winner is chosen! The $10,000 is presented on a giant check, and any additional funds raised will be split between the two remaining nonprofits. The excitement in the room is palpable as everyone watches the impact of collective giving in real time!  

100+ Who Care is all about creating visibility for the organizations that make a difference in our community. “One of the primary objectives of this program is to bring awareness to these local nonprofits,” Vanessa explains. “There are so many, and most of us aren’t aware they exist.” 

“It’s great to hear how the organizations utilize the funds, and we want to share that impact with the community,” says Vanessa. 100+ Who Care members are encouraged to bring their friends and family to events. If a non-member would like to join, a QR code is provided for sign-up, and after a $100 donation they are given a ballot to vote for a nonprofit. The nonprofits for the upcoming event include: Bloomin’ Boutique –  provides free clothing and essentials to children in need, helping them feel confident and cared for; HF Garden Project –  grows fresh produce for local food banks and teaches the community about sustainable gardening; Clackamas Volunteers in Medicine –  offers free medical care to uninsured and low-income residents, ensuring access to quality healthcare.

100+ Who Care Clackamas County will hold its next event on Thursday, October 23 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit their website, or contact Vanessa at 503-459-8065 or 100pluswhocare@gmail.com.