Make an Impact in Sonoma Valley
Citizen opinion submitted by
Dr. B.J. Bischoff
About five years ago, my husband and I started searching throughout California and Oregon wine country for the perfect community to which he could retire and dabble in the wine industry and I could make an impact serving others through a variety of nonprofit organizations. When I saw the Sonoma Square for the first time two years ago, I knew I had found our new home. So, we immediately bought a house in Sonoma and started our semi-retirement – living in Sonoma one week per month, while still continuing to work in Indianapolis, where we’ve been for 30 years. Since we won’t be permanent residents in Sonoma until May 2010, I depend on the on-line version of the Sun to keep me up-to-date on what’s happening in Sonoma.
Last month, I read an article in the Sun that epitomizes the can-do spirit of Sonoma Valley. The article described how two local residents, Annette Lomont and Christine Dohrmann, had started a nonprofit organization called Impact 100 Sonoma. The concept on which the organization is based is a simple one: each year, at least 100 women each make a tax-deductible donation of at least $1,000, which is pooled together to create $100,000. Then in January of each year, the organization will invite Sonoma Valley nonprofits in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, health and wellness, and family to submit grant applications demonstrating the need for the funds and detailing how they would use the $100,000. In late spring of each year, after an extensive application evaluation process, all 100 women will vote to determine which non-profit organization in Sonoma Valley will receive the $100,000 gift. Each woman has an equal voice through one vote each in deciding which nonprofit will be impacted by such an extraordinary gift.
The idea of a single individual participating in making a $100,000 impact to one charitable organization per year is an incredible one with lasting significance to our community. As soon as I read the article, I knew that I needed to be a part of that organization. I thought through Impact 100 Sonoma, I could leverage a gift of $1,000 – less than $2.75 per day – to make a sizeable contribution to one important Sonoma Valley community-based organization each year, while working with other like-minded women to determine the best way to invest that money in my new community.
After immediately calling the number for Impact 100 Sonoma listed in the Sun and looking at the Web site to see how I could join, I received a call from Annette Lomont, inviting me to join Christine Dohrmann and her for breakfast to discuss ways I could become involved. The enthusiasm of these women is infectious! They described how Impact 100 Sonoma is modeled after a national, grassroots program already successful in seven other communities in the United States. They described the grant-making process. They told me about the other generous women who have already made a commitment to be a part of the leadership of the organization: Geralyne Mahoney, Valerie Pistole Walter, Beth Aaron, Mollie Collins, Kirsten Stewart, and Pam Teixeira. I left that meeting not only willing to write that $1,000 check, but excited about being a part of a new spirit in Sonoma. I have since become a founding member of Impact 100 Sonoma and serve on the Board of Directors as the Communications Chair.
I encourage all women interested in making a significant contribution to a Sonoma Valley nonprofit organization to consider joining Impact 100 Sonoma. The founding members are hosting two fall membership receptions. The first reception is Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10:30 am to 12 p.m. The second reception is Friday, Nov. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 pm. Both are at Saddles Restaurant. If you plan to attend one of these receptions to find out how you can make a difference in Sonoma, please call 707.256.0119. To learn more about Impact 100 Sonoma, please go to the Web site at impact100sonoma.org.
Dr. B.J. Bischoff is a Founding Member of Impact 100 Sonoma and serves on the Board of Directors as the Communications Chair. She commutes between her home in Sonoma and her office in Indianapolis.