Food pantry gets boost from Oceana Women Who Care; group surpasses $100,000 in donations

MEARS — Boom. That wasn’t a jet breaking the sound barrier the evening of March 3, it was the Oceana Women Who Care who shattered the $100,000 barrier of total funds they have contributed to area nonprofits over the past three years.

A total of 40 members braved wintery roads that night to meet at Open Hearth Grille; hear about the great work of three area nonprofits; and choose to have each of the organization’s 128 (and counting) members write $100 checks to St. Gregory’s Bread of Life Food Pantry in Hart.  This brings total giving by WWC members to $106,800 since their first meeting in June of 2012.

“Our accountant had to hear the $12,800 amount several times before it sank in,” said St. Gregory’s representative Elaine LeTarte. “This amount of money will help us refresh our old facility by improving accessibility, insulation and signage. We’ll also be able to provide more fresh produce to the more than 60 families we serve per week.”

Four times a year, the women meet for an hour; learn about three worthy causes serving county residents; and choose one that everyone agrees to support with $100 personal checks. Networking and socializing follows for those who have the time to stay.

Membership is open to any woman who wants to be involved in this unique, joint effort to support Oceana causes. The next meeting is June 2 at Gull Landing in Pentwater. For more information, contact  Amy LaBarge at 313-268-2086, or visit Facebook-Women Who Care.