MIDDLESEX TWP — What began in 2006 as a cry for baby cribs in Michigan has benefited 20 local nonprofits in Butler and northern Allegheny counties, thanks to a philanthropic group of women.

The Power of 100+ Women of Butler meets quarterly at Butler Brew Works in Middlesex Crossing under the energetic leadership of Jackie Hutz, who started the local group five years ago.

Group members who know of a worthy local charity — with the emphasis on local — write their name on a slip of paper and deposit it in a decorative gift bag brought to the meeting by Hutz.

As the women enjoy a meal or appetizers, Hutz randomly picks three names out of the bag.

The randomly chosen members then have three minutes each to tell their fellow members about the nonprofit they are promoting.

After each three-minute speech, the members vote individually for the nonprofit they feel should receive a donation.

The nonprofit with the highest number of votes receives a check from each member, usually in the amount of $100.

Hutz said if $100 is too much, two or three women can team up to split the $100 donation, and women age 35 and younger donate $35. Special donation rates also are available to students.

The stack of checks is then delivered to the usually stunned nonprofit leader.

“I love presenting them with all the checks, because usually it makes them cry,” Hutz said.

The local 100 Women group has donated $74,654 to local nonprofits over five years.

“We don’t want the money going into an endowment fund,” Hutz said. “We want to use it now.”

At the first meeting of 2024 on Thursday evening, Jan. 25, the three charities members promoted were:

■ Hannahtopia, which makes “NillyNoggins,” or colorful caps worn by epileptic children having an EEG to avoid the unsettling sight of leads attached to the scalp.

■ The Asservo Project, an organization that helps people recognize the signs of human trafficking, helps rescue victims and prosecute traffickers, and provides rehabilitation to those who were trafficked.

■ The Lighthouse Foundation, which provides transitional, sober living and interim housing to those in need in Butler County, in addition to other services.

Asservo received the highest number of votes, and members pushed their plates aside to write their checks.

Hutz said 10 to 20 women have been attending the 100 Women meetings, but she was thrilled at having 30 on Thursday night.

“I truly believe that most of our problems today can be solved on a local level and by a nonprofit,” she said.

The 100 Who Care Alliance began when a woman named Karen Dunigan discovered her local hospital in Michigan needed $10,000 for cribs.

Dunigan died in 2014 at age 61, but her legacy of women banding together to provide solutions through support of nonprofits lives on.

Many of the women in the Butler chapter enjoy hearing of the small or obscure nonprofits in the area whose founders or leaders are trying to raise money for their worthy activities.

Dianne Stuckman, of Ben Avon, Allegheny County, said larger charities can more easily raise funds.

“It’s nice to help fund the startup or smaller ones,” she said. “If you donate $100 to a cause, it would benefit that group, but collectively, you can donate hundreds of dollars. It really makes a difference.”

Joy Riders, of Pittsburgh, agreed.

“It opened my eyes to new nonprofits out there,” she said.

Marty Best, of Emlenton, has been coming to the quarterly 100 Women meetings for a year and a half.

“It’s the connections with people who think like I do,” Best said. “We want to see a greater good.”

She hopes the group will meet its goal of 100 members.

“I hope everyone learns they can make an impact,” Best said.

The next Power of 100+ Women of Butler meeting will be Thursday, April 25 at Butler Brew Works in Middlesex Crossings, which is at the intersection of routes 228 and 8 in Middlesex Township.

All women are invited to attend. Those new to the group attend as a guest the first time, so they cannot promote a nonprofit until their second meeting.

For more information, www.facebook.com/100WomenButler