MAKING A DIFFERENCE
By Annie Watson
Impact100
celebrates a new chapter
at Roman Jewelers
N
Not many people can claim they’ve raised $123 million (and counting) for a philanthropic cause. Wendy Steele, however, is among the rare few. The founder of a transformative, women- led movement, Steele created Impact100 to support and transform local communities through a network of local chapters. The concept is simple; the influence is anything but. Each chapter is made up of at least 100 women who each donate $1,000 annually. The collective $100,000 is then awarded as a transformational grant to a local nonprofit organization, chosen by the members after a thorough evaluation process. This year, one of the newest chapters, Impact100 Hunterdon, held a fundraising event at Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater, New Jersey. There, Steele joined members of the Roman Jewelers team, who are also founding members of the chapter, and celebrated the success of the fund while calling for more members within the Hunterdon community and beyond.
The evening was a reminder that the Impact100 Fund is more than just financial support, it’s a catalyst for grassroots empowerment and community development that can lead to significant change. The model encourages women to engage deeply with local needs, directly involving them in the grant recipient selection process. The fund has grown into a global network, with chapters across the world collectively awarding millions to nonprofits. The impact is twofold: vital community projects receive necessary funding, and the women involved become more empowered and connected to their communities through meaningful philanthropy. As Steele said in a recent TED Talk, “Generosity is the most powerful lever we have to change the world, and everyone can do it.” Impact100 is a place for women who care deeply, who dream wildly, and who believe that, together, they are an unstoppable force for good.
To become a member, or learn more about your local chapter, visit https://impact100hunterdon.org/membership/.
10 ROMAN JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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