West Coast women came out in full force on Feb. 25 to the inaugural 100 Women Who Care fundraiser at the Long Beach Golf Course.
Hosted by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, the women at the Feb. 25 meeting donated $100 each and then voted to decide who receives the grand total.
Together they raised $10,500 in one evening for the Ucluelet Secondary School Parent Advisory Committee (USS PAC). Nominated by Lara Kemps, the USS PAC won the popular vote over the two other nominees, Pacific Rim Arts Society and West Coast NEST.
USS school principal Carol Sedgwick burst into tears upon hearing USS PAC was selected for the big cheque.
“Just looking around the room, not only are there a lot of amazing women here, but there are students and past students form USS that I’ve taught,” said Sedgwick.
“Thank you to all of you. This is amazing. My PAC I know will put this to great use and obviously all of the kids will benefit so thank you,” she said.
Kemps said she will ask the youth what they think the money should be used for.
“There is a laundry list of things our youth need to succeed in our school system. I see textbooks that were used when I went to that school, new gym equipment, new computers for the Art department, Home Economics supplies…Honestly, the list can be endless but as a board member of the PAC and seeing the passion in the parents, I am positive that we, along with our children can find some very fantastic ideas to spend the money on,” said Kemps.
“Seeing the excitement working up to this event was heartwarming, I love seeing women’s involvement in philanthropy, especially making a significant difference in our local region. You put 100 women in a room anywhere in the world and watch what can happen. The women in our communities have a passion and drive that is like no other,” she said.
The 100 Who Care Alliance was started as a volunteer effort by four American chapter leaders. Currently, there are more than 650 actively operating 100 Who Care chapters located throughout the world with more than 250 under development. Chapters encompass women’s groups, men’s groups, groups inclusive of both men and women, businesses, kids, and teens groups.
nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
READ: B.C. announces $45 million investment in Ucluelet schools