Women Who Care choose OHP to receive $13,800

HART — Celebrating the doubling of its membership in three years, the Oceana Women Who Care chose at its Sep. 1 quarterly meeting to have each of its now 138 members send $100 personal checks to Oceana’s Home Partnership.

OHP is a nonprofit organization that provides an assortment of services and resources to Oceana residents who struggle with aspects of renting or owning a home; buying their first home; homelessness; and foreclosure.  

Attendees also heard how a health center inside Shelby Middle School is using the more than $12,000 it received after being selected by attendees at the June 2 meeting.

The large turnout at Golden Sands Golf Course in Mears included guests either brought by members, or representing other WWC chapters in Michigan.

They were treated to heartwarming remarks by the three sisters of the late Karen Dunigan of Jackson, Mich., who started the WWC concept. Patty Sete, Jane Uhila and Diane Smith of Jackson described how their late sister’s simple idea came about, and how it has flourished since her untimely death.

These latest gifts from Oceana’s WWC members bring their total giving to over $130,000 since the group’s first meeting in June of 2012.

On the first Tuesday in March, June, September and December, members meet at an area restaurant from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; learn about three worthy causes serving county residents; and choose one that everyone agrees to support with $100 personal checks. Socializing follows for those who have the time to stay.     

Membership, currently at 138, is open to any woman who wants to be involved in this unique, joint effort to support Oceana causes. Students are welcome to join if they pledge to contribute $50 to the chosen nonprofit at each quarterly meeting.

The next meeting is Dec. 1 at Open Hearth Grille, 2430 N. 56th Ave. in Mears For more information, contact  Amy LaBarge at 313.268.2086, or visit facebook.com/womenwhocareofoceanacounty.