MEETING RECAP
 
Last night, members gathered at the pavilion at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort on a beautiful night. Cindy Zarow kicked things off with a light, breezy and "cheesy" welcome and then asked members to introduce themselves to someone new.
 
Next, we heard from three members passionate about causes and organizations that improve the quality of life in Antrim County. Jan Kellogg presented on behalf of Free Rein Farm, Mary Michno introduced us to Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology and Renae Hansen shared the work of TC Paw Cat Rescue.
 
Members selected Free Rein Farm to receive our collective donation. Free Rein Farm's mission is to provide a safe, supportive space where children and youth can experience healing, connection and growth through Equine assisted learning. Our collective donation will be used to build a large outdoor arena and pavilion which allow for added session space, a wider variety of experiential learning activities and the ability to accommodate large groups.
 
While Free Rein Farm will receive the bulk of our collective donation, Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology and TC Paw Rescue will each receive $1,000. They, along with the five nominations which were not drawn out of the hat last night, are all eligible to resubmit their nominations for our December meeting.
 
TWO WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DONATION:
1.    Make your $100 check payable to Free Rein Farm and either:

• DROP OFF your check at: Northwind Blooms/The Hair Parlor located at 114 River Street, Elk Rapids. This is right across the street from the Post Office and will save you a stamp!

• MAIL your check to: 100 Women Who Care-Elk Rapids Area, PO Box 722, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629 (Remember that mail is routed to Grand Rapids, then back up to Elk Rapids, so it can take over a week to be delivered.)

Please remit your check (please do NOT send cash) by September 4.
 

2.    Pay via Grapevine:

• If you are enrolled in the "tri-annual subscription" option, no action is required!  Your automatic withdrawal will take place on August 21, 2026. (Remember, your credit card statement will show "Grapevine Giving Foundation," not the name of the selected nonprofit.)

• Use Grapevine's "One-Time" feature by simply signing onto your Grapevine account, selecting “One Time” and completing the amount on your home page. After hitting the “Donate” button, you’ll go to a second page to enter or verify your credit card information. You’ll also see an option to consider a donation to Grapevine Community Support before completing. Please donate only on our 100 Women Who Care - Elk Rapids Area page and NOT on one you may see for the Free Rein Farm as we cannot track these donations for our collective gift. 

• Sign up for Grapevine for the first time by using this QR code:

 

Direct any Grapevine inquiries to Deb Broderick at broderickdeb@gmail.com

 

REPORT FROM OUR MAY RECIPIENT - COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS NORTHWEST MICHIGAN
 
Peg Whisler shared how she came to know and nominate Communities in Schools, encouraging members to get involved and be persistent in their efforts to support local nonprofits, before introducing three CIS staff members. Executive Director Amy Burk was joined by Site Coordinators Amy Derrer and Holly Schlicker who gave us inspiring stories of the difference CIS makes in the lives of participants. Our gift will continue this important work for Antrim County students.
 
MARK YOUR 2026 CALENDARS
 
Fall Social Event - Date and details coming soon!

December 10 at 5:00 pm - Giving Meeting at HERTH followed by Ladies Night in downtown Elk Rapids

 
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
 
Thank you again to our 2026 sponsors listed below. A heartfelt thanks to Nikii Brown of A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort for providing us with such a wonderful meeting venue and to Cindy's husband, Kevin Zarow of Harman International for donating the awesome new sound system.
 
Fondly,
"The Crew" - Peg Asmus, Deb Broderick, Carol Heles & Cindy Zarow