Oceana women’s generosity surpasses $700,000

Tammy Carey of Shelby and Beth Snider of Hart are joined by other Women Who Care members who attended the Dec. 5 meeting.

Oceana women’s generosity surpasses $700,000

In June of 2012, several Oceana women founded an area chapter of a nationwide organization called Women Who Care (WWC). The concept involves area women meeting four times a year to learn about the good work of several nonprofits serving Oceana County citizens. Every attendee votes for one, and the highest vote-getter receives $100 contributions from each WWC member.

Membership since then has hovered around 150 women, and the group met Dec. 5 at Farmhouse Kitchen and Market in Benona Township. The participants agreed that each member would support the Oceana College Access Network (OCAN) with their $100 personal contributions, for a total of $14,800. OCAN is a collaborative effort between local schools and the community to promote continuing one’s education after high school. More information can be found at https://oceanacan.org/.

This brings the WWC group’s donation total to $710,000 since its first meeting 11 years ago.  

“That’s not chump change anywhere, but certainly not in Oceana County,” said Amy LaBarge of Pentwater. “We are so heartened that so many Oceana women have joined together to make a meaningful difference to a variety of nonprofit organizations that serve the interests of area residents.”

On the first Tuesday in March, June, September and December, WWC 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 148, is open to any woman who wants to be involved in this unique, joint effort to support Oceana causes. The next meeting is March 4 at a location to be announced. For more information, contact LaBarge at (313) 268-2086 or visit facebook.com/womenwhocareofoceanacounty.