100+ People Who Care Tewksbury Names Q2 Nominees

100+ People Who Care Tewksbury, the local chapter of the 100 Who Care Alliance, announces the three local nonprofits that will present to members and guests at the group’s June 22 Giving Event, to be held at Wamesit Lanes beginning at 6 p.m.

The Greater Lowell YMCA goes beyond a pool, exercise classes and fitness equipment. The facility provides childcare for hundreds of children each day in preschool and school-age programs and summer camps as well as swim lessons, sports, dance, art and theater. It has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships and seeks donations to provide everyone the opportunity to be healthy and thrive, to connect with others and to contribute to a better community. 

House of Hope is dedicated to helping homeless families in Massachusetts gain stable housing via two distinct sister nonprofit organizations, House of Hope Shelter and House of Hope Housing, which share a commitment to transitioning homeless families into a stable community life. The nonprofit provides tandem services that respect and nurture families while supporting parents by guiding them through opportunities to build economic sufficiency and embrace a stable home life. 

Plummer Youth Promise believes that every young person needs a family unconditionally committed to nurture, protect and guide them — someone who will be with them forever. Unfortunately, many young people in the foster care system haven’t yet made it back to their own families or on to a new family. If they leave the foster care system as young adults with no family to count on, they’re likely to struggle with issues  like homelessness, unemployment and early parenting. Plummer seeks to address this reality through a variety of programs.

At its June event, 100 People Tewksbury will hear from representatives of these three nonprofits and award more than $10,000 to one cause as voted on by members. The two nonprofits not selected will receive $250 from two generous sponsors as well as optional donations from members and will be eligible to present again immediately. 

Giving Events generally raise more than $12,000 for local causes, and space is still available for a June sponsor. Interested businesses and organizations can contact sponsorship chair Shana Abbott at 100PeopleTewksbury@gmail.com, attn. Sponsorship.

“As we head into the second year of 100 People Who Care Tewksbury, the enthusiasm from the community is growing,” said co-chair Brent Conway. “It has been a tremendous experience to learn about the great organizations supporting so many varying needs in Tewksbury, and we look forward to adding more members and supporting new organizations this coming year.” 

100+ People Who Care Tewksbury is open to any Tewksbury resident and in March celebrated its one-year anniversary and over $50,000 raised for local nonprofits. Members agree to donate $100 per quarter to the nonprofit selected by the group. Each quarter, members may nominate a nonprofit for selection. Previous awardees include Alternative House, Hidden Battles, Into Action Recovery and Lazarus House. 

“In addition to raising funds that make a big local impact, our goal is to connect our members and the wider community to the mission and leadership of amazing nonprofits serving the Merrimack Valley,” says 100 People board member Beth McFadyen. “We warmly encourage our members to nominate exceptional organizations and shine a spotlight on their important work.”

To learn more, contact the Board at 100PeopleTewksbury@gmail.com or via its Facebook page. Residents are also invited to drop in to the Giving Event on June 22, with no obligation to donate. Applications will be accepted before and after the business meeting.

“We’re so thrilled with the exceptional response from the community in our first year,” said co-chair Jayne Wellman. “We’ve been fortunate to welcome new members to our board, and now we’re looking forward to increasing our membership, expanding our reach and bringing exposure and engagement to even more local charitable organizations.”

Photo: At its last event at Wamesit Lanes, 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury awarded its Impact Award to Lazarus House.

About the Alliance: Over the years, nearly 1,000 Care chapters have been established under the “100 Who Care Alliance” banner. Tewksbury’s chapter launched in June 2021.