PRESCOTT – Prescott is the next community in the region to become home to a Power of 100 Women organization and the inaugural impact meeting will be held Oct. 3 at The Old Ptacek’s Event Center.

The concept is simple. A group of 100 (or more) women get together, listen to brief presentations from three local organizations seeking funds, vote on one, and donate $100 to the winning organization. This equates to $10,000 (and many times more) going to a local organization that supports the local community.

Founder Bethany Christianson has wanted to bring a Power of 100 group to Prescott for a long time. She learned of the concept through a local nonprofit she works with and loved the idea.

“I just thought it was the coolest thing and wondered why every town didn’t have one,” Christianson said. “I think it’s so important that we have it and it’s just another way to support locally. The biggest hurdle is the nonprofits that benefit Prescott had never heard of it.”

So far, 105 women have signed up and the group will accept more. Some groups cap membership at 100 or 200 members, but Prescott is willing to go over 100.

“We’re super glad that we’re there and we’re hoping more people will learn what it is and the benefits and want to join,” Christianson said.

How does it work? The core team, comprised of Christianson, Amanda Johnson, Anita Cole, Jennifer Hanson, and Cortney Franklin select three charities from applications received. Each charity is invited to make a 5-7 minute presentation at the impact meeting after which the women vote on their favorite organization. The winner receives at least $100 from each person.

“I had heard of it in other communities and was interested in how a little bit of time could make such a big impact,” said Hanson, who has lived in Prescott for 20 years. “I thought it would be a great project to get off the ground in Prescott.

Christianson said she received guidance from the leaders of Power of 100 Women in Hastings.

“We want them to run the same way in every town. She also helped the Rosemount one get started,” Christianson said. “After talking to hear, I just wanted to get started.”

The three charities who will present at the inaugural meeting are the Prescott Trap Team, Prescott Area Food Pantry and Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center. Christianson had to reach out to local organizations to get them to apply, since many had never heard of the Power of 100 concept.

“Usually more than three apply,” Christianson said. “Then the Core 5 will fill out a rubric individually and all the questions are objective about how they benefit Prescott. We tally the scores and the top three are invited to speak.”

Christianson is hoping with publicity and holding the first event, charities will understand how beneficial it is for them to apply. Some organizations have access to multiple grant opportunities while others do not.

“I hope that over time that people who are thinking of starting a nonprofit feel more empowered to do it knowing that there is that town support,” Christianson said. “It’s a lot of support if you don’t have a lot of opportunity to write grants.”

The inaugural event will kick off with check-in at 5:45 p.m. Oct. 3 at The Old Ptacek’s Event Center. A cocktail hour/cash bar will run from 5:45-7 p.m., followed by the hour-long program at 7 p.m.

To learn more or join, visit https://powerof100prescott.godaddysites.com/ Members are required to attend two impact meetings annually, with a minimum donation of $100 each time.