The Tsalteshi Trails Association is set to receive the most recent 100 Women Who Care charity donation —approximately $7,000.
The association has needed support for new trail signage and building renovations, according to the 100WWC Facebook page.
100WWC is a national charity organization with local chapters. The goal is for 100 women to meet for an hour four times per year, and donate $100 each to a 501c3 charity.
Tami Murray started the central peninsula chapter, and although she said they’ve never quite reached 100 women they’ve been close. She hopes one day to compile all the 100WWC branches in the state to donate collectively to one charity.
“That’s my dream,” Murray said.
To choose the recipient, three randomly chosen members in good standing — meaning they donated at the meeting prior — are eligible to make their case for a charity. Then the group votes to donate collectively to one local organization. The majority rules, so each member donates to the local charity most voted upon by the group.
Individual houses of worship and political nominations are not chosen to be the beneficiaries of the 100WWC donation. Once a charity is chosen for the funds, the organization is not eligible for the donation for another two years.
The central peninsula chapter started in 2019, and Murray said they’ve already given approximately $92,000 to local charities on the peninsula.
During Thursday’s meeting, which was held at Soldotna Creek Park at 6 p.m., the Tsalteshi Trails Association won by a very slim margin, Murray said. The Kenai Peninsula Foundation came within just one vote.
“Everybody will be rewarded at some point in the community, I think,” Murray said.
At the last 100WWC meeting, in late March, the women donated to Triumvirate Theater.
This was the first meeting in person since 2019. The group hasn’t been able to meet all together for a year and a half because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Zoom meetings were actually really good but definitely not the same as being in the same room with kind-hearted women,” Murray said.
The Tsalteshi Trails Association is the 14th nonprofit the 100WWC ladies have donated to. The next meeting will be on Sept. 30.
For more information or to join the 100WWC, contact Murray at tamijmurray@gmail.com or follow the group’s Facebook Page.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
