100 Strong Bandon support library friends
Oct. 29—Members of 100 Strong Bandon recently selected Bandon Library Friends and Foundation for their quarterly charity to support. Members contributed $5,525 and received a grant of $2,662.50, for a total gift of $8,187.50, their largest gift to-date.
Funding from 100 Strong Bandon will be used by BLFF to purchase adult books for the Bandon Public Library. The library is a member of the Coos County Library Service District, which receives its funding through a dedicated tax rate. However, the library's usage is very high for the size of the population, and current funding barely covers basic operational expenses. Private support is needed to add current materials to the collection.
Library Director Christine Kingsbury noted, "We are extremely grateful for the support from 100 Strong. Bringing in new titles is critical to providing quality library services. Funds received will be used to purchase new adult materials for the library for the entire year. This support is essential to our mission, and we appreciate 100 Strong helping us create a positive place in our community for education, entertainment, and engagement."
100 Strong Bandon is a women's giving circle. Quarterly, the members meet, select a 501(c)(3) charity that benefits Bandon area residents and make a tax-deductible donation of $50 or more directly to that charity. In addition, the charity selected by the group in the prior quarter presents a report on how they used the funds and thanks the donors.
Founders Julie Miller and MaryAnn Soukup are excited about the impact of these funds within our community and the idea of neighbors helping neighbors in this simple set-up. Over $75,000 has been donated since the founding of the group in 2017. The charities previously selected include Bandon Feeds the Hungry, Bandon Educational Foundation, New Artists Productions, Friends of Bandon Parks, Kids' HOPE Center, St John's Medical Loan Closet and South Coast Hospice. In addition to financial support, Soukup notes that charities also have received volunteer manpower from the group to accomplish their goals.
There is no membership fee to join 100 Strong Bandon, and all funds raised go directly to charity. The group is open to women 18 years and older living in the Bandon area. Guests are welcome to attend; however, to nominate a charity or to vote, you must be a member. To sign up, go to https://bandon.com/100-strong-bandon-signup/ and complete the membership application.
The next meeting of 100 Strong Bandon will be Wednesday, November 15, at the Bandon Rain Taproom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. (doors open 5). Julie Miller, co-founder, encourages all members to mark their calendars now and bring a friend. To find out more about the group, go to www.bandon.com/100-strong or come to the November meeting.