100 Women Who Care reaches $100,000 mark

Julie Carr presents her the case for "A Kinetic Change" for a basketball court at Big Walnut Sports Park during a Wednesday meeting of the 100 Women Who Care at the Inn at DePauw. To date, the group has donated more than $100,000 to the community. (Banner Graphic/Nick Wilson)

When 100 people get together for the betterment of the community, it's safe to assume something exciting will be right around the corner.

Greencastle has been fortunate enough to be the frequent beneficiary of a group that is thoroughly dedicated to providing a "better place for the next generation."

The 100 Women Who Care held a meeting Wednesday at the Inn at DePauw to make its tenth donation of $10,000 to the community, totaling $102,500 over time.

100 Women Who Care members (from left) Caitlyn Milliman, Julie Thompson, Kate Knaul, Emily Knuth, Elaine Peck, Julie Carr, Cheryl Selvey and Kelli Croan present a $10,000 check Wednesday to A Kinetic Change to be put toward a new ballpark. (Banner Graphic/Nick Wilson)

The fundraising system was set up Wednesday so that three ideas or causes could be presented and voted on by those in attendance. This qaurter's recipient-finalists were the Arts Council, the Greencastle Civic League and A Kinetic Change, the latter of which received a check for $10,000 to add to a previous $15,000 for a new full-length basketball court in at Big Walnut Sports Park.

Julie Carr presented the case for the court, which will be dedicated in memory of her late son Keith.

It was another example of 100 Women Who Care supporting new causes in the community.

"It's been an exciting time, the past couple of years, with everything that's going on and all the development -- and this is a big part of it," said member Kate Knaul.

"For (members), it only costs about $500 a year. That's $40,000 to $50,000 a year donated to the community -- that's pretty phenomenal."

The presentation of an oversized check made out to A Kinetic Change included Carr, Caitlyn Milliman, Julie Thompson, Emily Knuth, Elaine Peck, Cheryl Selvey, Kelli Croan and Knaul on Wednesday.

"I want to thank all the women for sticking with us and coming with great passion for causes that are important," Thompson said. "I want to encourage everyone to speak to their friends and their families about this. Whether it's for a chance to get out of the house for a night without the kids, or a chance to raise funds for things that are really important to them or a chance to meet other women, it's really about the heart and about giving and about how our kids will enjoy (the community) when they get to be our age."

The plans for the park, along with a location for the official check-signing presentation, have yet to be determined, but the presentation will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Follow the 100 Women Who Care on Facebook, or visit www.100womenwhocare.org for further information.