100 Women Unite to Gift $100K to Local Charity in One Night

Imagine changing an organization's entire trajectory in just one night with 100 people in a room and $100,000 ready to give.

That's exactly what Longboat Key 100 is making happen on February 17. Seven local leaders have created a fresh approach to charitable giving that cuts out overhead costs and puts every dollar directly into the hands of a deserving nonprofit.

Here's how it works: 100 women each commit to donating $1,000. On the evening of the event, three finalist charities pitch their work and explain exactly how they'd use the money. Then attendees vote, and one organization walks away with the full $100,000.

Michelle Johnson, one of the seven founders, discovered the model in Hudson, Wisconsin. She brought it to Longboat Key with help from co-founders Danielle Gladding, Heidi Berry, Nicholle DePinto, Betsy Juliano, Pat Watral, and Julia Woodward.

The group isn't a traditional charity itself. It doesn't collect donations or have overhead costs. Instead, it connects donors directly with organizations making real change in their community.

Berry has been reviewing applications from interested nonprofits. The team is looking for groups with sustainable community impact and a specific need that $100,000 could solve in a game-changing way.

Gladding, who knows the local nonprofit landscape well, says she still learned incredible things about community work while reviewing applications. Even the two organizations that don't win the final vote will gain valuable connections with local leaders and potential volunteers.

The Ripple Effect

This single evening creates waves far beyond one donation. The losing finalists gain exposure and networking opportunities. The 100 attendees learn about community needs they might never have discovered. And the winning organization gets funding without spending months on grant applications or fundraising events.

The founders plan to make this an annual tradition. Organizations interested in next year's event can already apply by emailing LongboatKey100@gmail.com.

Johnson captured the spirit perfectly: "The whole event should be a lot of fun, and I knew this area would be perfect for it." Gladding added that the community is blessed with people eager to give back.

By gathering givers in one room and empowering them to choose together, Longboat Key 100 turns charitable donation into a shared experience of hope and impact.