Over $166,000 donated locally since September, 2016

$11,300 to Durand Area Schools –Ready to Rescue

The 100+ Women Who Care-Greater Durand Area held its meeting on March 21st. Durand Area Schools – Ready to Rescue received the majority vote and $11,300.00 from the group. We also heard from Byron Masonic Lodge #80 and RESPITE Volunteers of Shiawassee County.

Kay Hite spoke for Durand Area Schools Ready to Rescue program. The district is the 3rd largest in Shiawassee County with enrollment of 1275 PreK-12th grade students and 143 employees. With the recent school shooting at Oxford, MI, it is vital that staff and students have medical life saving training and increased survival awareness for any situation that can occur. A solution is to equip the staff and students with CPR/AED First Aid training and practice safety drills with up to date training and supplies.

Thanks to our collective gift, they’ll be able to replace two Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), get new CPR manikins, provide CPR training for the staff, train 12th-grade students in CPR/AED, and so much more.

Beverly Miller presented for the Byron Masonic Lodge #80. Their mission is to support community activities. They supply financial assistance, sponsor school teams, purchase bikes for elementary school kids, and allow use of their facility at no cost. The Masonic Scholarship program has gifted over $100,000 since 2012 — this is what they would use funds from 100+ Women for.

If you would like to support the Masonic Scholarship program you can mail a check made payable to Byron Lodge #80, PO Box 146, Byron, MI 48418.

Blair Pancheck spoke for Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee County. Respite Volunteers provide adults with health challenges companionship and their family caregivers respite. A volunteer usually visits on a weekly basis giving family caregivers a well deserved break and persons living alone friendly visits. Respite Volunteers help the elderly living alone and persons with disabilities to remain living safely in their home for as long as possible.

Funds would be used to recruit new volunteers, background checks and training. They are actively seeking new volunteers — you can visit their website to see how you can help.

If you would like to donate to Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee County please click here.

$10,800 to Friends of Doyle Knight-Lennon Area Veterans Park

The 100+ Women Who Care-Greater Durand Area held its last meeting of the year on September 21st. Friends of Doyle Knight received the majority vote and $10,800.00 from the group. We also heard from Warm Hearts and Durand Union Station Model Railroad Engineers (DUSMRE).

Sharon Bowden Patsey spoke for Friends of Doyle Knight – Lennon Area Veteran’s Park which was founded in 2017 by Marcia Harris. Unfortunately, Marcia passed away from cancer in early 2020, but the organization has continued to work to honor Marcia’s initial vision to honor all of the Lennon area veterans and build a park for them in the name of their most famous veteran, Doyle Knight. Marcia envisioned a park similar to ones in neighboring towns, and wanted the design to be in the shape of Michigan. The outline of Michigan will serve as the base for all the stones which are purchased by donors. 3 sizes are available, small, medium, and large, with up to two lines of text. There will also be a black granite wall that will list by branch approximately 250 veterans’ names at no cost to the veteran or their family. The Friends of Doyle Knight has had several successful fundraisers over the years, including the AmazonSmile program, the Veteran’s Memorial Rock N Roll Dance, mums sale from the Farmer’s Market, Wojo’s wreaths and grave blankets, spaghetti dinners at D-railed & Euchre tournaments, just to name a few. The Veteran’s Park is almost complete; however, they still need additional funding to complete the project. Anyone interested in learning more about the project can stop by the Lennon Telephone/TVC office to look at the stone or to add a veteran’s name for the wall. Sharon invited anyone interested to join the Friends Facebook page at HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FRIENDS-OF-DOYLE-KNIGHT-1839496552971683 or EMAIL: FODKVETPARK@LENTEL.COM

To donate to this project, checks may be mailed to : Friends of Doyle Knight

Attn: Sharon Patsey

P.O. Box 329

Lennon, MI 48449

Warm Hearts was presented by Trisha Hackney Browning. Trisha spoke about Warm Hearts of Lennon which was started by Tammi Browning. Warm Hearts is a 501(c)(3) organization run exclusively for charitable purposes. “The mission of the Warm Hearts Fund is to generate revenue for the purpose of providing assistance with home heating bills to families experiencing financial shortcomings in the surrounding communities.” At this time, they are able to pay up to $200 on a families heat bill; including propane tank fills, consumers energy, and even supplying wood for families that heat in that way. They serve families within a 30 mile radius of Lennon. The money goes directly to the provider and is never given to the individual. They are funded only by word of mouth, but would love to be able to serve more people if they were to be chosen by the 100+ Women Club.

Chris Morse spoke for DUSMRE (Durand Union Station Model Railroad Engineers) The Durand Union Station Model Railroad Engineers, Inc. (DUSMRE) is a 501(c)(3) Educational Non – Profit Organization founded in 1990. They are supported by membership dues, donations, fundraising, and available grant opportunities. DUSMRE serves all, especially those who have an appreciation of model railroading and railroading history. They have a model of the Durand Union Station and are open to the public and serve school groups wanting to learn more about the railroad and model trains.

Their Mission

The purpose of the DUSMRE is to promote, stimulate, foster and encourage by all manner and means the art and craft of model railroading and the preservation of the history, science and technology thereof.

Their Hours of Operation

Member Work Sessions: Monday & Friday 7pm – 9pm

Trains Operating: Saturdays, 11am – 5pm & Select Sundays, 12pm – 4pm.

$11,100 to Durand Area Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry

100+ Women Who Care – Greater Durand Area held their 14th Giving Meeting on March 16, 2023. We heard from three worthy organizations and the Durand Area Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry presented by Leslie Dietrich received the majority vote. With 100% participation from our members they will receive $11,100.

Durand Area Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry serves individuals and families that live in the communities of: Bancroft, Byron, Durand, Gaines, Lennon and Vernon. The pantry’s food distribution center is located in the back of the Vernon Methodist Church and they are currently looking for a new “home”. Families may visit the Pantry once every 30 days (once every four weeks). They are open every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. In 2022 they served 996 adults and 435 children and had 42 new families.

You can donate to Loaves and Fishes here.

Also presenting was Sharon Patsey for Friends of Doyle Knight-Lennon Area Veterans Park. Founded in 2017 by Marcia Harris, who passed away in early 2020, the organization has continued to work to honor Marcia’s initial vision of honoring all of the Lennon area veterans and build a park for them in the name of their most famous veteran, Doyle Knight. Marcia envisioned a park similar to ones in neighboring towns, and wanted the design to be in the shape of Michigan. They are so close to being done with the park!

Anyone interested can join the Friends of Doyle Knight Facebook page or EMAIL: FODKVETPARK@LENTEL.COM.

To donate to this project, checks may be mailed to: Friends of Doyle Knight, Attn: Sharon Patsey, P.O. Box 329, Lennon, MI 48449.

Sue Hatherill presented for DUSMRE (Durand Union Station Model Railroad Engineers). They are located within Durand Union Station and are in need of a new HVAC unit.

DUSMRE is a 501(c)(3) Educational Non-Profit Organization dedicated to the education and craft of model railroading. Monetary donations and public support allow them to maintain and improve their static display as well as keeping it open for the public’s enjoyment.

DUSMRE is open on Saturday’s from 11am to 5pm. You can see operating model trains that run on the Grand Trunk Western and Ann Arbor Railroads that intersected in Durand, Michigan at the “Diamond.” Their layout boasts hand-built, detailed model replicas of the Durand Union Station, Durand roundhouse and engine shops, as well as 1500+ linear feet of trackage.

Visit their website for more information and/or to make a donation.

$10,800 to Byron PTA!

100+ Women Who Care – Greater Durand Area held their 13th Giving Meeting on September 16th, 2022. We heard from three worthy organizations and the Byron PTA Adopt A Door Safety Program presented by Beverly Miller, received the majority vote. With 100% participation they will receive $11,000.

Byron PTA Adopt A Door Safety Program is to install Nightlock lockdown devices, as one measure of safety. The Nightlock systems are used to quickly create safe places, in every building. Each system is approximately $100 including installation. They need approximately 150 systems to cover
the safety needs of all three schools. Any donations raised above $15,000 will be used to offset costs for additional safety items including, but not limited to:
• Window blinds for external and internal windows
• Additional safety training for all staff

Also presenting for the Durand Chamber of Commerce Inc Foundation was Lori Childs. The mission of the foundation is to improve Durand through targeted investments in revitalization programs, facade improvements, streetscape designs, urban planning, educational programs, event planning and promotion, sidewalk beautification, and other enhancements to the betterment of the greater Durand area. The Foundation is a 501c3 with a separate board from the Chamber and separate financial system.

Leslie Dietrich presented for The National Railroad Memorial, Inc. Their mission is to honor the men and women of the railroad industry by educating the public as to their role in our Nation’s past, present and future. They are doing this by building a National Railroad Memorial to honor them in Diamond District Park, Durand. The group is currently raising funds to repair, paint and preserve the treasures in Iron Horse Park next to the Fire Station: the 5632 steam locomotive, the 1919 Pullman baggage car, and the GTWRR Gate tower.

$11,000 to Durand Union Station, Inc.!

100+ Women Who Care – Greater Durand Area held their 12th Giving Meeting on March 17th, 2022. We heard from three worthy organizations and the Durand Union Station, Inc. presented by Anna Willson, received the majority vote. With 100% participation they will receive $11,300.

Durand Union Station is a 116-year-old historic building that attracts visitors from all over the country. The depot is also the home of the Michigan Railroad History Museum, an educational and entertaining source of Michigan’s rich railroad history. Several community events are held at the Depot throughout the year including Railroad Days, Orphan Train for grade school students, Christmas at the Depot with over 50 decorated trees, and a visit from Santa who saw over 300 children in 2021. You can make a donation and take a virtual tour on their website.

Also presenting was Sharon Patsey for Friends of Doyle Knight-Lennon Area Veterans Park. Founded in 2017 by Marcia Harris, who passed away in early 2020, the organization has continued to work to honor Marcia’s initial vision of honoring all of the Lennon area veterans and build a park for them in the name of their most famous veteran, Doyle Knight. Marcia envisioned a park similar to ones in neighboring towns, and wanted the design to be in the shape of Michigan. Sharon invited anyone interested to join the Friends of Doyle Knight Facebook page or EMAIL: FODKVETPARK@LENTEL.COM.

To donate to this project, checks may be mailed to: Friends of Doyle Knight, Attn: Sharon Patsey, P.O. Box 329, Lennon, MI 48449.

The group is currently raising funds to repair, paint and preserve the treasures in Iron Horse Park next to the Fire Station: the 5632 steam locomotive, the 1919 Pullman baggage car, and the GTWRR Gate tower.

To donate to NRMI please visit their website.

Over $122,000 has been donated locally by the members of 100+ Women Who Care-Greater Durand Area since September, 2016. New members are always welcome!

$11,700 to Durand Area Schools Educational Foundation!

100+ Women Who Care – Greater Durand Area held their 11th Giving Meeting on September 16th, 2021. Three worthy organizations presented and the Durand Area Schools Educational Foundation (presented by Deb Doyle) received the majority vote. With 100% participation they will receive $11,700 from the group, and another $10,000 from a Durand Alumus who offered to match up to $10,000 if they could collect it. The DEF grants funds to Durand Area Schools teachers and student groups that are not covered by the school district, such as support for student organizations, snacks on testing days, educational supplies, field trips and other enrichment opportunities. Funds are requested by applying for a mini grant.

Also presenting was Sharon Patsey for Friends of Doyle Knight. Founded in 2017 by Marcia Harris, who passed away in early 2020, the organization has continued to work to honor Marcia’s initial vision of honoring all of the Lennon area veterans and build a park for them in the name of their most famous veteran, Doyle Knight. Marcia envisioned a park similar to ones in neighboring towns, and wanted the design to be in the shape of Michigan. Sharon invited anyone interested to join the Friends of Doyle Knight Facebook page or EMAIL: FODKVETPARK@LENTEL.COM

To donate to this project, checks may be mailed to: Friends of Doyle Knight, Attn: Sharon Patsey, P.O. Box 329, Lennon, MI 48449.

Mary Warner-Stone presented for Durand Union Station. Durand Union Station was built in 1903, and is the cornerstone of Durand’s identity. Mary spoke about how the building is a community effort and told about some of the recent improvements that have been made: the security system, inspection and repairs to the pressurized water system, creation of several displays including the Underground Railroad, How Rails are Constructed, History on Railroading in Michigan, and the Evolution of Trains & Engines. The exterior woodwork around the windows was painted, and they have created a digital photo archive, as well as working on creating podcasts, audio tours, a Thomas the Train toy corner, repairs to the clay roof. They have plans to paint the caboose. Mary brought a checklist for each member in attendance to fill out expressing which items they would be most interested in seeing worked on next. Donations can be made via their website, or mail a check to DUSI, PO Box 106, Durand, MI 48429.

Over $111,000 has been donated locally by the members of 100+ Women Who Care-Greater Durand Area since September, 2016. New members are always welcome!

$11,010 to I Cancer Vive!

We held our first Zoom meeting on March 18th, 2021 due to continued Covid-19 restrictions. We heard from three deserving nonprofits:

Trisha Hackney-Browning nominated I Cancer Vive which is a 501c3 started by Fringe Salon in Lennon in 2015. When local people are undergoing cancer treatment, their organization provides them with beauty services and high quality wigs. They believe that if you feel beautiful and confident during treatment, it will make you a stronger fighter! Choosing a new wig/look can also be empowering. Their mission is to use their skills to help these people feel and look their best during the fight of their lives. If you wish to send a donation, mail to: I Cancer Vive %Fringe Salon, 866 M13, Lennon MI 48449.

Jeanette Gomos nominated Durand Loaves & Fishes. They have been an ongoing operation in Vernon which provide services for our area, and has helped feed many hungry families. The pantry is located in the First United Methodist Church, 202 E. Main St. in Vernon, and is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday. If you wish to send donations or correspondence, mail to: Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, 708 S. Oak St. Durand, MI 48429

Mary Warner-Stone nominated Durand Union Station, Inc. Durand Union Station had a 53% drop in revenue this past year, and only a 15% drop in expenditures. Even with the drop in revenue, they haven’t laid off any employees. They have hunkered down and have made sure to weather the storm by pausing on projects. They made masks for the community. They have also created a podcast, and expanded their virtual tours. In 2019 they had a virtual tour created which made it possible to give virtual tours while shut down during the pandemic and were able to interact with the viewers of the podcast. They even had a “Watch the Snow Melt” fundraiser. A few of the projects which they want to complete this year are to paint the caboose. They want to work on rooms inside the building that need work. The Amtrak lobby and the other rooms need some attention and need repainting. They would like to create a more online presence to help them to get the history out into the community and the world and create activities which would be available online. They also want to add shelving and be able to double the storage capacity. Donations can be made via their website or mail a check to DUSI, PO Box 106, Durand, MI 48429

After the votes were in the majority went to I CANCER VIVE. With 100% participation from members, I Cancer Vive will receive $11,400! With this donation our group has gifted over $99,000!!

$11,000 to Kerr Cares Closet/Neal Necessities Closet!

We held our first virtual meeting on September 17th, 2020 due to COVID19. We heard from three worthy organizations:

Cathy Mitchell nominated Kerr Cares Closet/Neal Necessities Closet. Kerr Cares Closet at Robert Kerr and Neal Necessities Closet at Bertha Neal were created to help families with small and immediate needs, and each year we get more and more requests. Parents can request items such as: personal care items, clothing, shoes, boots, etc. This year our goal is to supply much needed boots and snow pants. If selected the total donation will be split between Bertha Neal and Robert Kerr schools.

Jan Harper nominated Durand Educational Foundation. Durand Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides funding for initiatives that enhance learning for Durand students. The Foundation began in the summer of 2014. Since that time it has provided over $60,000 for activities like field trips, science, math, writing and reading programs, skill
building camps and numerous other activities. This year due to Covid19, the Foundation Trivia Night Fundraisers have been cancelled, but the needs within our school system are exceptionally great. The Foundation has already given stipends to 51 educators totaling approximately $5,000. In addition grants in the amount of $900 were also awarded. And, it’s only September. A Durand graduate has offered the Foundation up to $10,000, for every dollar that can be raised by December 31, 2020.

Janice Brownson nominated The National Railroad Memorial, Inc. The National Railroad Memorial, Inc. (NRMI) is a 501(c) (3) non profit corporation. NRMI is an all volunteer organization whose operating expenses are underwritten by my law firm, Dinse & Brownson, PC. Our mission is to honor the men and women of the railroad industry by educating the public as to their role in our Nation’s past, present and future. We are doing this by building a National Railroad Memorial to honor them in Diamond District Park, Durand. 100% of money from the Durand Women Who Care will be used to repair, paint and preserve the treasures in Iron Horse Park next to the Fire Station: the 5632 steam locomotive, the 1919 Pullman baggage car, and the GTWRR Gate tower. We agreed to help the City of Durand (who has no money to do so) with this project. After all, these treasures owned by the community are already a monument to the men and women of the railroad industry serving in and from the Durand area. They honor our railroad heritage so we should take good care of them.

After the votes were in the majority went to Kerr Cares Closet/Neal Necessities. With 100% participation from our members Kerr Cares Closet/Neal Necessities Closet will receive $11,000! We also applied for a grant through the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and Kerr Cares Closet/Neal Necessities received an additional $5,000!

With this donation, our group has gifted over $88,000 to local organizations!

$8,600 to various organizations

We were not able to hold our meeting in March, 2020 due to COVID19, so we came up with a “Plan B”. We had a great response and our members donated to many worthy organizations.

Bancroft Food Pantry
Black Lives Matter
Byron Masonic Lodge
Burns Grange
City Rescue Mission of Saginaw
Durand Cares Covid19
Durand Educational Foundation
Durand Loaves & Fishes
Durand Union Station
Fenton Adopt-A-Pet
Food Bank of Easter Michigan
Friends of Doyle Knight-Lennon Veterans Park
Golden Gate Rescue
Horses’ Haven
Humane Society – Genessee County
Hurley Foundation
I Cancer Vive
Lebowsky Center
Lennon Area Food Pantry
LymeDisease.org
National Railroad Memorial
Respite of Shiawassee County
Robert Kerr (Kerr Cares & Neal Necessities)
Saint Judes
Saint Mary’s Outreach Food BankSalvation ArmySandula Clock Tower Restoration
Shiawassee Covid19 Response
Shiawassee Humane Society
Swartz Creek Church of Christ Food Bank

$12,200 to Shiawassee Council on Aging-Durand!

100+ Women Who Care – Greater Durand Area held it’s 7th Giving Meeting on September 19th, 2019. We heard from three worthy organizations:

Linda Hackney nominated I Cancer Vive. This 501c was started in 2015 when a long-time client of Fringe Salon in Lennon was diagnosed with cancer. They wanted to help other local women going through treatment by purchasing wigs, giving manicures, pedicures and facial massages. Their goal is to expand and get big enough to rent the Durand Union Station and bring more stylists together in order to raise more money and help more people.

Kathy Wilson nominated the Shiawassee Council on Aging of Durand to purchase a new oven. Kathy reported that the Senior Center provides 180 meals per day between the center and the Meals on Wheels program, serving seniors in Durand, Lennon, Vernon, Byron, Bancroft, Morrice & New Lothrup. The oven which they need to prepare these meals is very old and in disrepair. With this award, they would be able to buy a new oven and continue serving meals for years to come.

Becky Shankster nominated Kerr Cares and Neal Necessities. This program provides clothing, coats, shoes, and toiletry items for students in need. The greatest need is for athletic shoes and coats. Receiving this award would make it possible to buy more items when they are on sale and to buy them in bulk. This donation would help students at Bertha Neal and Robert Kerr, and would fund the programs for 5 years.

It was another another close count, and the majority vote went to the Shiawassee County on Aging. With 100% participation, they will receive $12,200.00.

To date the group has gifted over $68,000 to local nonprofits!

$12,100 to Durand Area Schools Special Olympics!

The sixth voting meeting of the 100+ Women Who Care – Greater Durand Area took place on March 21st, 2019. We heard about three worthy organizations:

Becky Shankster nominated Durand Area Schools Special Olympics. Becky reported that the Special Olympics of DAS was notified that all funding would be coming to an end this year. She spoke about how not only the SPED students benefit from this program, but the GenEd students benefit greatly too.

Nancy Scott nominated “Kerr Cares Closet.” Nancy has been teaching at DAS for 20 years. The Kerr Cares Closet supplies such as pantry items, toothpaste, clothing, backpacks, food, etc. to students at Robert Kerr. The family in need fills out a request form which is reviewed weekly by the Kerr Cares Family. Decisions are based on funding availability. Winning this award could finance them for up to 5 years. These funds would also enable them to purchase larger quantities while they are on sale and allow them to help more families.

Tricia Alderman Murphy nominated SCRESA Great Start Readiness Program. This program provides scholarships for preschool to Durand, Byron and the surrounding area. Tricia reported on the importance of preschool, especially for students in poverty, in order to give them the best possible start on their educational journey. This year they offered 33 scholarships. 11 were offered to Durand students and 5 were given to Byron students.

Members voted and with 100% participation, Durand Area Schools Special Olympics will receive $12,100.

Since our group started in 2016, we have gifted over $56,000 to Durand area nonprofits.

$11,200 to Operation Freedom!

The fifth voting meeting of the 100+ Women Who Care – Greater Durand Area took place on September 20th, 2018 We heard about three worthy organizations:

Blair Panchek nominated Operation Freedom. This years game will be held on Oct. 5th against Montrose. 100% of the profit goes to the Veterans Relief Fund. In the past, they have provided things such as a roof on a house, a ramp, paid Consumers and other bills. They find those who have a need through Bob Bushman at the local VFW.

Nancy Scott nominated Kerr Cares Closet. Nancy has been teaching at DAS for 20 years. The Kerr Cares Closet supplies such as pantry items, toothpaste, clothing, backpacks, food, etc. to students at Robert Kerr. The family in need fills out a request form which is reviewed weekly by the Kerr Cares Family. Decisions are based on funding availability. Winning this award could finance them for up to 5 years.

Kathy Wilson nominated the SCOA- Durand Senior Center to purchase a new oven. Their current oven has two burners out, the oven doesn’t heat to the correct temperature and the grill doesn’t work. The oven is so old they can no longer get parts. The Senior Center uses the oven to provide 180 meals per day, both at the center and for Meals on Wheels.

Members voted and there was a two way tie between Operation Freedom and Durand Senior Center. A tie breaking vote took place and the majority vote was cast for Operation Freedom. With 100% participation from our members, Operation Freedom will receive $11,200.

Since our group started in 2016, we have gifted over $44,000 to Durand area nonprofits.

$9,400 to Durand Backpack Program!

After our 4th 100+ Women meeting we’ve made a impact in our community with over $33,000 in donations!

We heard from three deserving groups during our 4th meeting on March 15, 2018: I Cancer Vive, Durand Backpack Program and Live Healthy Shiawassee.

The Durand Backpack Program won the majority vote and will receive $9,400 from our group!

$9,000 to Durand Railroaders FIRST Robotics Team!

Three area non-profits presented to our group on September 21, 2017: DMS English, Language & Arts, Durand Robotics and Durand Model Railroad.

The recipient of our collective donation of $9,000 is the Durand Robotics Team. We hope others will put their name in the basket at our next meeting on March 15th.

After our third meeting we’ve donated $24,000 LOCALLY to worthy organizations!

$8,700 To Durand Union Station!

Three area non-profits presented to our group on March 23, 2017: Durand Robotics, Durand Union Station-Michigan Railroad History Museum and Live Healthy Shiawassee.

The recipient of our collective donation of $8,700 is Durand Union Station. We enjoyed learning about the Durand Robotics Team and Live Healthy Shiawassee and hope they will put their name in at our next meeting on September 21st.

After our second meeting we’ve donated $15,000 LOCALLY to worthy organizations!

$6,300 to Durand Educational Foundation!

The three presenters at our first meeting on September 22nd, 2016 were: Durand Educational Foundation, Durand Robotics Team, and Durand Union Station. We heard about three great organizations within our community!

The nominations were tallied and the majority vote went to the Durand Educational Foundation. The Foundation was formed in 2013 and operates independent of the school district. They offer mini grants to staff and volunteers who desire funding for unique educational experiences for Durand students. They received our collective donation of $6,300!

A Durand Alum offered a $10,000 donation to the Foundation if they could raise matching funds in 2016 — before our meeting they had raised $5,000. Our $6,300 donation put them over the top and they received the full $10,000 from the Alum.