On Oct. 6, more than 200 local women gathered at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to socialize, network and share joy. During the meeting, names for three nominated nonprofits were drawn at random: CHiP, Mainely Memory Foundation, and Healthy Lincoln County. After hearing brief presentations about each organization, members voted to award the quarterly “Impact Donation” to CHiP (Community Housing Improvement Project), an organization dedicated to “neighbors helping neighbors stay safe, warm and dry” by assisting with seasonal fuel and firewood assistance, urgent home repairs, wheelchair and accessibility ramps—all while lifting spirits and giving neighbors hope.

The meeting netted an initial contribution to CHiP of $18,011, and the total will grow until the next quarterly meeting in January. Project Manager Brittany Gill of CHiP stated, “This is coming just in time for heating season and I already have 40 people who are really eager to get help so it’s really nice to get finances to help us go into this season confidently. We really appreciate the women who come out and want to support their community because this is such a community-based effort. We can’t do this alone; we have to do this together.”

Mainely Memory Foundation and Healthy Lincoln County went home with just over $1,000 each thanks to funds raised from the raffle. The  meeting also provided an opportunity to present Lincoln County Dental with a check for $18,294 resulting from the July meeting. Director of Development Holly Stover addressed the crowd regarding the impact the donation will make toward sustaining and improving oral health for so many in our community.

The local chapter of 100+ Women Who Care operates exclusively on a donation basis led by the volunteer leadership team comprised of Leah Bauer, Kate Elmes, Shannon Parker, Alyssa Allen, Ali Stevenson and Jessica Tindal. Together, the team gathers support from local businesses to host quarterly meetings, food and raffles. October’s meeting would not have been possible without the donation of space from Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG), with special thanks to Gretchen Ostherr, president and CEO of the gardens for her imaginative and eager support. After one year in existence, membership in 100+ Women Who Care Lincoln County stands strong with over 400 women.

Financial support for “100+ Women Who Care Lincoln County Maine” has arrived from local businesses including Tindal & Callahan Real Estate; Bangor Savings Bank; Jordan Construction; Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce; The Cheney Financial Group; First National Wealth Management; Mid-Maine Millwork; Social Graze Charcuterie, Coastal Maine Popcorn and a handful of anonymous donors. Raffle items have raised over $6,000 for local non-profits and include donations by Fiction Bookshop in Wiscasset; Veggies to Table in Nobleboro; The Tipsy Butler Inn in Newcastle; Moose Crossing in Waldoboro; Frances Perkins Center in Newcastle; The Waldo Theatre in Waldoboro; Creative art by Deb Arter, Shannon Parker, Felicity Myers and Alistair McCallum; Skidhompha Public Library; Du Jardin, and Waterstruck Wellness in Newcastle; Adrienne Zahner with Sotheby's; Local Batch Kitchen in Damariscotta; Ocean Blue Fitness in Damariscotta, and Morning Dew Farm in Newcastle. 

Lincoln County’s 100+ Women chapter has set a target of raising $100,000 by the end of 2026 and are currently within a few thousand of reaching that benchmark. Readers are encouraged to inquire about how to contribute to help our community reach this impactful goal.

Want to participate in “100+ Women Who Care Lincoln County Maine”? Membership forms and nomination forms are available on the organization’s website at WomenWhoCareLincolnCountyMaine.org.

The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bigelow Laboratory in East Boothbay. As with all meetings, attendees can expect light bites, refreshing drinks and inspiring company. The organization hopes you’ll join “100+ Women Who Care Lincoln County Maine” for vibrant and diverse gatherings that prove there’s strength in numbers. Because together we are a wave of change.