By COLE REIF - Great Bend Post
It is a simple concept. Show up to a meeting that usually lasts less than an hour four times a year, vote on which charitable organization deserves funding, and then hand over a check.
The simplicity of “100 People Who Care” has raised approximately $120,000 for non-profits in Barton County in the last three years.
Julie Mazouch helped create the group in February 2017 after hearing about the idea from a friend in Wisconsin.
"The idea sounded amazing to me," said Mazouch. "I knew there were people that could get behind this and that is what happened. The community rallied behind this and we were able to create momentum."
Anyone interested in learning more about Barton County’s 100 People Who Care group should visit 100bartoncounty.org or make plans to attend the Tuesday, Feb. 11 event. There are no fees to join, other than the commitment that members will attend four times per year and donate $100 at each meeting.
"We limit the three presenting organizations' to a five-minute presentation, and then five minutes of questions," said Mazouch.
The Feb. 11 meeting will feature special recognition for local charities as well as an anniversary celebration with drawings. The meetings occur the second Tuesday of February, May, August, and November at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard in Great Bend.
Tuesday's meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
"Sometimes you come in and think you already know who you are going to vote for, but it usually is the charity that has the best presentation or the biggest need in the community."