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100+ Men aid Castle project, prepare for June 8 meeting
At the first meeting of 2017 the 100 Plus Men Who Care of Putnam County awarded The Castle $12,300.
The funds will support and expand The Castle’s mission to reach all students in Putnam County. Founded in 2011, The Castle was the outcome of many sessions and the inspiration of teachers, artists and community members to offer free workshops in partner schools to maximize the opportunity for creative problem-solving and nurture self-expression for kids.
Beth Benedix, director of The Castle, reports on the organization’s website (www.castlearts.org), “Our pilot program was launched in January 2012 in one elementary school … currently the Castle serves approximately 1,200 kids in four partner schools. Our goal is to serve every kid in all four districts of Putnam County.”
On Thursday, June 8, the 100 Plus Men will meet at the Inn at DePauw at 5:30 p.m. for the second time in 2017 to award more than $12,000 to another Putnam County charity.
“It is remarkable that four times a year, in less than 90 minutes, we can gather and make such a big local impact,” observed Chuck Schroeder, a steering committee member.
Scott Davis, organizer of the Putnam County Chapter of 100 Men Who Care, summarized his experiences. “The men supporting this organization have been amazing. Together, we will have awarded $160,000 to nine different local non-profits. And on June 8, I get to say that I am giving away another $12,400. Me, Scott Davis, and so can each one of our 124 members as we combine our $100 checks.”
The organization continues to welcome new members with the goal of exceeding the membership of 126 men at the end of 2016. Men from all walks of life and experiences are welcome.
“We continue to add new men who don’t have time in their busy life to volunteer, but want to make a significant impact for those with needs,” Todd Lewis, a member of the committee from Cloverdale, said. “The county-wide participation has been amazing. Guys are having fun. They love that their $100 check adds up to a $12,000 plus donation to a deserving local charity.”
The Putnam County chapter is one of several 100+ Men Who Care chapters nationally. Following the national model, 100+Men meets four times a year to award a big check to a Putnam County 501c3 charity. In the two years since its founding in 2015, the local chapter obtained more than $108,000 for local charities and created a $45,000 Community Grants Endowment at the Putnam County Community Foundation.
Interested men are encouraged to visit the website www.100plusmen.com for general information as well as application forms (click on the “Join Us” icon). Or, check out its Facebook page, 100+ Men of Putnam County.
Additionally, 100+MWC encourages any male board member of local 501c3 charities to join so they can nominate themselves and have an opportunity for a $12,000+ donation.
Davis is available to answer any questions at 653-8663.