Impact 100 Crawford County celebrated its ninth annual dinner and awards presentation on Sept. 25 at Heartland Farms in Bourbon, with members awarding a total of $50,000 to local nonprofits.

The 2025 event carried the theme “Stay Golden,” with emcees Becky Doyle and Kathy Lasley, bringing humor and warmth to an evening that combined celebration, remembrance and philanthropy. Guests enjoyed appetizers provided by Holiday Hills Country Club, a meal catered by Frisco’s Grill & Pub, desserts from Sugar High Baking Co. and Little Jack Horner’s Desserts, and a coffee bar while awaiting the much-anticipated grant announcements.

Impact 100 Crawford County was founded with the goal of gathering at least 100 women, each contributing $500 annually, to pool resources for meaningful community projects. Friends of the organization help cover administrative expenses so that every dollar given by members is returned directly to nonprofit groups. Since its founding in 2017, the organization has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to initiatives designed to improve life in Crawford County.

This year marked a major achievement as the group not only reached its goal of 100 members but surpassed it, with 104 women participating. Their collective generosity fueled this year’s record of giving.

The 2025 recipients included a wide range of projects:

• Crawford County Fair received $5,000 to extend the roof over McBride Homes Stage at Hood Park. The upgrade will improve protection from the elements and increase opportunities for future events.

• Cuba Cemetery Association was awarded $5,000 to fund new fencing along Route 66, enhancing both safety and appearance of the historic landmark.

• Golden Echoes of Steelville, LLC., received $5,000 to replace its outdated wooden sign with a new, more visible marker that better represents the senior center.

• All Aboard Learning Center was awarded $10,000 to replace playground wood chips with safer rubber mats and mulch, creating more secure play areas for preschoolers.

• Post 81 American Legion received $5,000 to complete a hard-surface parking lot, ensuring safe and accessible entry to the building for all visitors.

• Bourbon Economic Development Group was awarded $10,000 to assist with Phase I of the “Route 66 Welcome Park,” which will include a dog park and walking trail to encourage tourism and community pride.

• Missouri Ozarks Community Action, Inc. (MOCA) received $10,000 to expand its transit program, providing 5,000 miles of free, reliable transportation for residents with mobility challenges, ensuring access to medical care and other essential services.

A special moment of gratitude was extended to Alan Colins, former State Representative Ron Copeland, State Representative John Hewkin and State Senator Mike Henderson, who were recognized for their efforts in securing TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) grant funds for Crawford County.

When Copeland attended the 2023 Impact 100 dinner at Wildwood Springs, he was so impressed by the mission that he successfully worked to include $100,000 in TANF funding in the state budget to be administered by Impact 100.

Hewkin and Henderson again applied for and secured an additional $100,000, entrusting Impact 100 to identify TANF nonprofits and guide the distribution of funds. Impact 100 recognized all four individuals for their dedication, friendship and commitment to helping the county’s most vulnerable families. The group is currently preparing its presentation to the Division of Social Services to disburse the most recent TANF grant.

“I want to assure everyone that the TANF funds we receive will not take away from, lessen or replace our mission in any way,” Catherine Lange said. “Each and every dollar contributed by our members will continue to go directly into the Impact 100 grant fund that we distribute, by vote of this membership, each year to Crawford County nonprofits. It is because of what we, as an organization, have accomplished over the last nine years, that led to this unique opportunity to extend help to our families in need.”

Members, partners and friends gathered for a group photo, and a drone shot by Larry McMillan captured the scope of the organization.

Special recognition was also given to members and partners lost over the past year, including Betty Sanazaro, Ovia Maria McGinnis, Lesa Mizell, Barbara Bryan, Brenda Armstrong, Lisa Storz, Jean Thomasma and Joyce Stewart. Their dedication to Impact 100 was celebrated as part of the program.

Impact 100 Crawford County is led this year by President Catherine Lange, Founder Kathy Lasley, Vice President Cheri Schuette, Secretary Tina McGinnis, Treasurer Becky Doyle, and members Sharlene Henry, Amber Lange, Francie Rohrer and Judy Workman.

With 104 members and $50,000 awarded in 2025, the women of Impact 100 Crawford County once again demonstrated the power of collective giving. Each year, their efforts turn individual contributions into lasting change for organizations and residents across the county.

“What an amazing adventure we started nine years ago, and I, for one, am looking forward to the years ahead as we continue to make an impact in Crawford County,” Lange said.

Those interested in joining can learn more at www.impact100crawfordcounty.org.