Donor Spotlight: 100 Women Who Care

Kate Cour from Match Frame Creative first learned about CASA of Kent County when her workplace hosted a meet-and-greet where our Development & Marketing Manager Sam Johnson spoke about CASA’s mission. “The stats shared with our team regarding the number of children in Kent County that go without a Court Appointed Special Advocate were alarming. Every child needs a voice and an advocate,” says Kate. She saw the opportunity to help spread the word about CASA’s mission through her membership in the Greater Grand Rapids 100 Women Who Care (100 WWC) group. Kate thought, “Perhaps this group of women could be a catalyst in getting the word out about the need for more [CASA] volunteers.”

The concept of the 100 WWC group is for 100+ civically engaged women to gather quarterly to support community organizations via individual $100 donations. Members nominate local charities for consideration at each meeting, and representatives of said charities present a case for support. Members then vote on a charity recipient to fund collectively.

Kate joined the Greater Grand Rapids 100 WWC in 2016, shortly after the group was established, but took a break when her children were young and rejoined in 2025. Kate shared, “I have always valued serving others and supporting my community. As a full-time working mom, I don’t always have the time I would like to volunteer, but 100 WWC provides a meaningful way for me to give back to the community financially.” The group also gives Kate the opportunity to learn about nonprofit organizations in her community. ­­

Following Executive Director Stephanie Sheler’s presentation, the 100 WWC group chose CASA as the funding recipient. Stephanie’s passion for and knowledge of child welfare shone through in her pitch. According to Kate, CASA also made sense for 100 WWC to fund. She said, “I believe the typical 100 WWC is passionate about making a difference in our community—especially when it comes to advocating for vulnerable populations who need a voice, such as the children in the Kent County foster care system.”

Thanks to Kate and the 100 WWC members, dozens more community members now know about CASA’s work and there is vital funding to continue growing our mission!

This story is featured in the Spring 2026 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of the newsletter.