My family friend Karen Fettig was a Girlfriend. Sadly, she died of cancer in 2024. We raised our children at the same time and were at gatherings together every year. She joked that my daughter was a fun surrogate for her since she was a mom of all boys! At her memorial service, they announced that donations in her honor were welcomed by ninety-nine girlfriends. I did not know about your organization so I immediately researched it. I got so excited reading about a large group of women who also held philanthropic values, and it was so Karen. I joined in memory of beautiful, kind, candid Karen to carry her legacy onward.

In my work life, I helped create new groups and programs; I’ve lived the negotiations, details, and surprises that create a fertile place for the people to stand upon and succeed. I really get it.

I value being in a community of women. Since I retired, I have not been able to find a group of women to be with, all working for a better world. I have also never been with others who pursue philanthropy. I think the sliding scale donation model at ninety-nine girlfriends is brilliant. Over the years, many women friends have said they wish they could contribute money to causes in a more substantial way but didn’t have enough to make it seem worthwhile. Ninety-nine girlfriends breaks down this financial “gatekeeping” by combining all our resources to make a measurable impact that depends on all of us.

I also enjoy the education arm of the organization (I’m kind of a research nerd). In my first year, I went to all the educational speakers when I was in town. The text The Uprising of Women in Philanthropy gave me a needed history lesson, taught me about the third wave of women’s power as the intersectional feminist movement, and inspires our world with the “re-imagining” of philanthropy. I want to be part of the oomph!

I am grateful to all the foremothers who brought ninety-nine girlfriends into the vital and friendly action-based organization it is today. It was so simple for me to jump in, and the momentum carries us and our community forward.

I am thankful to Karen Fettig for all she gave to her family, friends, and her part of the world. My life and my children’s lives are better by her presence and love.