Eileen Toney, of Cassopolis, is the director of the Southwestern Michigan College Foundation and a founding member of the 100 Women Who Care of Cass County service organization. The members of the group meet quarterly, where they pick out a particular local nonprofit to donate money to.

 

How did you first get involved with 100 Women Who Care?

Kim MacGregor, she had the idea [of starting it]. So a group of us sat down and talked about it, and we acted and it is what we have today. You just got a lot of like-minded women together in a room, you throw some ideas around and saw which ones stuck. That one did. We will be starting our third year.

 

What kind of places have you helped over the years?

The various agencies are all Cass County related.

We recently gave money to Fitch E. Root Memorial Camp. We gave them more than $2,000. Marcellus Township Wood Memorial Library got $3,200. We raised $1,800 for Domestic Assault and Sexual Abuse Services (DASAS). We have given to the Edwardsburg Food Pantry as well. We have donated to the Dogwood Fine Arts Festival.

 

What was the idea behind helping organizations in Cass County?

You can impact more with greater numbers. We decided that, rather than all of us giving to our individual charities, if we all came together en masse, the donations and the amount of people we could impact would be even greater.

 

Do you feel the word is spreading about the work the group does?

I would say yes. As we continue to grow, as we continue to talk about what we have done, those Cass County agencies have come forward to share their stories. At the meeting, we allow three nonprofit agencies to tell their story and then each member votes on which one they want their money assigned to. The winning vote then, all the money goes to that agency.

 

Why is this is an important cause for you to be a part of?

I have always believed that you have to give back your community. This is a way for me to give back. I also believe that, as women, we have to set the example for others. By me being a part of this organization, I set an example for other women or those individuals who may follow in my career. Whether it is from a personal view point, a professional viewpoint or a church viewpoint, we all have a responsibility and obligation to give back.

 

If someone wants to join 100 Women Who Care, what is the best way for them to do so?

Just show up at one of our meetings. Our next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26. It is here on the campus of Southwestern Michigan College, in the foundation room. We meet at 5:30 p.m. Usually the meeting lasts no more than an hour.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her by calling Ted Yoakum, community editor, at (269) 687-7720, or by email ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com.