Better Together: Women of Impact launches in Newberry

By Carol Stiffler

On Tuesday, October 20, area women are invited to a social fundraiser event called Better Together: Women of Impact. Better Together is a new women’s circle that will empower women to turn many small donations into one large gift for a nearby non-profit organization. The group is open to all women who want to make an impact.

The concept came from Newberry’s Barb Bennett, who attended a similar event in Sault Ste. Marie. With a steering committee of six people, including Bennett and Helen Newberry Joy Hospital CEO Helen Johnson, Jackie Schummer, Tammy Henry, Jamie Rushford, and Carol Stiffler, she made the idea become a reality in Newberry.

I’m excited about getting this new organization Better Together: Women of Impact up and running in the Newberry area,” Bennett said. “It’s a great opportunity for women of all ages to come together to get to know one another, enjoy a time of relaxation, and at the same time support the many deserving service organizations in the Newberry area.”

The first meeting will be held at the Newberry Elks Lodge #1705 in downtown Newberry, starting at 5:30 p.m.

For the first half hour, the women will socialize. There will be light refreshments and an open bar. Beginning at 6 p.m., representatives from three local service organizations will be selected to speak about their group, delivering a three-minute “elevator pitch” about what they do and how they would use the money. After hearing from all groups present, the women will cast ballots to pick which cause to support that evening.

When the votes are tallied, each woman will write a check for $50 to the winning organization – or give $50 cash if they prefer – and the meeting will adjourn.

If 50 women attend and each give $50, one non-profit will receive $2,500 that night.

There are a few instructions to follow.

Individual contributions need to be at least $50 for that woman to be able to cast a vote.

Donations of less than $50 are welcome and appreciated, Bennett said, and they’ll be given to the winning organization at the end of the meeting, but they won’t qualify a woman to vote.
Bennett said Better Together will meet just twice a year, making the commitment undemanding for busy people.

“It’s a come-as-you-are gathering that doesn’t require a huge time commitment,” Bennett said. “Ladies, bring your friends and let’s make our first Better Together: Women of Impact a smashing success. Let’s show the power of women in the Newberry area. We can make a difference!”

Word of the group is beginning to spread, and it’s generating excitement.

“I love this,” said Megan Gucwa-Schutz of Curtis. “Count me in for sure.”