New Impact100 chapter hopes for big things

Impact100’s new Redwood Circle chapter hopes to have 100 women each contribute $1,000 so it can award a $100,000 grant in 2016.|

The Redwood Circle chapter of women’s philanthropic group Impact100 debuted in style Wednesday at the Museums of Sonoma County.

Impact100’s goal is to have 100 women each contribute $1,000 so it can award a $100,000 grant in 2016. Funds from any member in excess of 100 will be pooled to award smaller community grants. The Redwood Circle group is modeled on the Sonoma Valley chapter that has awarded $1.2 million over six years.

The new group, co-founded by Melissa Kelley and Deirdre Holbrook, had 43 members headed into its inaugural gathering. About 100 women came to learn more, and about 15 joined on the spot, Holbrook said.

They gathered at the History Museum of Sonoma County to hear presentations from Kelley and Beth Brown of Community Foundation Sonoma County. They nibbled appetizers from Worth Our Weight and drank wine provided by Wine Spectrum, Oliver’s Market, Taft Street Winery and Rued Vineyards.

Then, they toured the new Art Museum of Sonoma County next door.

Holbrook credited Vicki Groninga, Carol Orme and Suzy Marzalek with ensuring a successful event.

For information, visit www.impact100redwoodcircle.org or search Facebook.

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