CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Celsey Stevenson, Marshalltown Little League supporter, left of check, and Carrie Barr, representative of 100 Women Who Care, right, are surrounded by Little League players, coaches and board members as a contribution of $12,100 from 100 Women Who Care is presented to MLL.

Marshalltown Little League was the winning project of the January meeting of 100 Women Who Care. Celsey Stevenson presented the extensive MLL renovation project that involves renewing or replacing nearly every feature of the Little League diamonds. From the vibrant blue dugouts to the bleachers, scoreboards and foul poles, much of the work has begun. Two cheery murals and fresh landscaping will welcome participants and spectators. Top on the “to-do” list before the season begins is a bathroom update. Currently there are holes in the ceiling, stall doors are missing and a fence is being held together with straps. The Little League board has estimated the cost of the renovation to be about $15,000.

Stevenson began her presentation by saying, “I’m honored to share a project that sits at the heart of our community: the renovation of our Little League baseball complex … Our Little League isn’t just a field. It is a place where childhood happens It’s where kids learn teamwork, perseverance, responsibility and confidence. It is a gathering space where families connect, friendships are built and memories are made…”

100 Women Who Care is embarking on its 15th year. To date, $632,670 has been contributed to local charities or projects. It is a philanthropic networking group that meets three times each year, for one hour, to support local projects. Every Marshall County woman is welcome to join. It is convenient for women who do not have a lot of free time to volunteer but would like to have a part in growing the community. By pooling all the donations together, a huge impact can be made on the winning charity/project.

The meeting format of 100 Women Who Care is successful and simple: Each member may submit her idea of a worthy charity or project. Three cards and drawn and those 3 charities/projects are presented. The membership votes and then writes a $100 check to the winning charity/project. Between $12,000 to $15,000 is raised, depending on the number of members at the time. a huge impact can be made on each charity/project that receives the winning vote — in just one hour.

The next meeting of 100 Women Who Care – Marshalltown is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on April 16. The locations is yet to be decided. 100 Women Who Care members are always welcome to stay for dinner after the meeting and continue to network and socialize. For more information, contact Carrie Barr at grimesbarr@gmail.com.