100+ Men launch recruitment, announce first 2017 event

Sunday, February 12, 2017

The 100+ Men Who Care (MWC) of Putnam County have launched their county-wide effort to renew and recruit men for 2017.

For the past two years the men have come together for fun, food and philanthropy. They come from all walks of life to make a difference for Putnam County non-profit organizations.

“In 2014, when a small group of men were challenged to form a 100+MWC chapter, not one of us would have imagined that together we would raise over $140,000 in only two years,” observed Scott Davis, one of the founders.

The concept behind 100+MWC is simple. Members donate $100 four times a year. They gather at the Inn at DePauw to select a winning charity by a majority vote. Another $100 donation goes into their Putnam County Community Foundation (PCCF) endowment for an annual contribution of $500.

Page Cotton, a board member, shares what he has observed the past two years.

“The guys love the idea that our $100 check magically becomes a $10,000 plus donation, and our money goes directly to the non-profit organization,” Cotton said. Since 2014, eight local charities have benefited from awards of $11,300 to $12,500. Include are Imagination Library, Beyond Homeless, CareNet Pregnancy Center, Area 30 Career Center, Putnam County Non-food Pantry, Boy Scout Troop 99, Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County and Putnam County Mental Health Association.

“The impact for these organizations has been enormous,” noted board member Andrew O’Hair. “But we know from the number of organizations nominated at each event, there are more local charities that need our help.”

Last year, 125 men participated in 100+MWC. The board has set an ambitious goal to top that number in 2017 hoping send out checks exceeding $12,500.

“The 100 Plus Men and the events are tailor-made for men,” board member Bill Shuee said. “It’s fun, fast and has a big impact.”

The group’s first meeting (event No. 9) will be March 15 at the Inn at DePauw. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a 45-minute “Happy Hour” followed by the selection process at 6:15.

Any guy interested in joining can contact any board member: Bill Shuee, Andrew O’Hair, Dave Murray, Alan Zerkel, Chuck Schroeder, Mike Harmless, Todd Lewis, Vince Aguirre, Page Cotton or Scott Davis. Or visit www.100plusmen.com for application forms by clicking on the “Join Us” icon; email Scott Davis at furnitureawarehouse@gmail.com or call him at 653-8663.

Interested persons may also visit 100+ Men of Putnam County’s Facebook page for current information.

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