"A strong woman looks a 
challenge in the eye
and gives it a wink."
- Gina Carey
Happy Spring!

I'm always optimistic that March brings warmer weather and sunny skies. And I'm optimistic about Impact 100 Chicago - why you ask?

We are awarding one $100,000 Impact Grant and two $7,500 Merit Grants this year! 

I think this is phenomenal given what we all endured in 2020. For awhile, it was touch and go in terms of getting sufficient members. In mid-January, we only had 62 members. However, thanks to Mindy Winkel, Cheryl Laurence, Carol Bier-Laning and all of YOU, we reached 87 paid members! We are then using $13,000 of the Shelter Inc. left over funds to reach our target of $100,000.

For our Merit Grants, I want to thank the 5 "GAD" (generous anonymous donors) who created a match and thus, raised $15,000 for the Merit Grants. You know who you are - and you hold a special place in our hearts for your generosity and support.

We have 13 well qualified and interesting NFP currently going through the final application and FRC process. I know there is a winner in there we can all root for and embrace.

You can see why I'm so optimistic about Impact 100 Chicago.  And as we celebrate International Women's Day, 
I applaud all the generous women that make an impact!

Enjoy the month.
Deb Gammon
President
Save the date for our  
11th Grant Awards Celebration
to be held on
June 8, 2021
Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers-
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours-
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!
          - Irish Blessing