Jackie Hutz

PENN TWP — Jackie Hutz and her family raised $42,000 during the three years her husband, Bill, waited for a donor kidney.

No one could fault her for taking a long rest after he received his kidney in May, but that's not Hutz's style.

So she started 100(+) Women Who Care — Butler, which will have its first hourlong meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Hardwood Cafe on Route 8 South.

The 100(+) Women movement was conceived in 2006 in Michigan by Karen Dunigan, who was trying to figure out a way to raise money for mothers who needed cribs for their newborn babies.

The concept involves at least 100 women meeting four times per year. Each woman writes a check to the charity voted upon by the women at the meeting.

Those who cannot afford the $100 can bring a friend and split the amount.

Women aged 35 or younger write their checks for $35.

Hutz said those who are interested, but not yet sure whether they want to commit to the quarterly meetings, can come to the meeting to hear more about the project.

She said those involved with a charity are also invited to attend and talk about their organizations and mission in the interest of becoming a recipient of the funds.

“When the women come in January, we're asking them to bring the name of a known local charity, and those names will go into a hat,” Hutz said. “We'll pull three, and whoever recommended that charity will be asked to speak on it for three minutes on why the money can make a difference.”

She said she is starting the program because she attended Cranberry Township's 100(+) Women meeting in Zelienople and found the concept fascinating and effective.

“But it just wasn't local enough for me because that one focuses on Beaver and Butler counties,” Hutz said. “I wanted one that focuses on the Route 8 corridor.”

She hopes to overflow the room donated by the Hardwood Cafe with local women looking to improve their community, one check at a time.

“Please come and hear about it,” Hutz said. “You have nothing to lose. It's only an hour.”