The biggest night of the Impact100 year is right around the corner and the excitement is building! The Annual Meeting is by far one of the most anticipated events on my calendar as we come together to award over $234,000 in grants to deserving organizations in our community, all made possible by the generous collective giving of our members.

With the Olympic Games fresh in our minds, we’re reminded of the incredible power of teamwork and dedication. Just as these elite athletes achieved greatness with the support of their teams, we, too, come together as a team to create something remarkable here at home.

Spring is in full swing and at Impact100 we have wrapped up our spring events: the grant information session, our membership drive and our Big Reveal. It’s always so exciting to come together with Impact members and reveal how much money we will be giving away in transformative grants!

Happy Women’s History Month! As a women’s philanthropic organization, I would be remiss if I didn’t take time to reflect on the efforts and bravery of women who helped pave the way for females today, as well as the women in our community who continue to do so.

Happy New Year! Like most people, I set personal goals for 2024. As an organization, Impact100 has set goals as well … more than 300 of them! You read that right; our goal for this new year is to surpass 300 members and be able to award $300,000 in grants to our community!

I could probably start every column with “This is my favorite time of the year” when it comes to Impact100 … and that would be true! From the beginning of the year when we actively recruit members, through the spring and summer when we announce our totals and vet our applicants, to now as we announce our finalists and plan for our Annual Meeting, every bit of it excites me! There is always a chance to meet someone new, learn something new, and help create new opportunities for our community.

I love summer! It’s common knowledge that the whole season is meant just for recreation and relaxation. It can’t get better than that and I hope you got plenty of both this year! Summer is also a great time to get some projects done, and I want to thank the special Impact ladies who have spent time doing the important work of facilitating and participating in our 2023 Focus Groups.

As I write this column, it is Election Day in the Commonwealth. I hope you took advantage of your privilege to cast a ballot. And although there were just a few races at stake, I hope you took time to evaluate all the candidates to make an informed decision. It works like that in Impact100 too. Every member has the privilege to vote at our Annual Meeting on October 24 (mark your calendars now!). Prior to that, members are encouraged to join a Focus Group to help assess the applications to determine our top finalists.

Tick tock. Tick tock. Is it just me, or do you feel like time is not always on your side? Here’s a little good news: you still have time to be a 2023 Impact100 member! Whether you are renewing your commitment or joining for the first time, we accept pledges through March 31. Check your calendars, friends, that date is just around the corner. So don’t delay!