On April 27 at Hanson Hill in Whitehall, members of White Lake Area Women-Making A Difference gathered for a meeting that lasts about an hour. What happens in that short time, however, carries lasting impact across the entire White Lake community.
The group includes more than 120 women. Each one shows up with the same commitment. Listen to local needs. Contribute $100. Decide together where it goes.
It is a simple model. But in practice, it has become one of the most effective ways to support nonprofits in the White Lake area.
Built on a Simple Idea
White Lake Area Women-Making A Difference was created with a clear goal in mind. Make a meaningful difference in the community without requiring a major time commitment.
Inspired by the broader Women Who Care concept, local founders brought the idea to the White Lake area and built a group focused specifically on organizations serving Montague and Whitehall.
The structure has stayed intentionally simple.
Members commit to a year of participation and contribute $100 each quarter. They meet four times a year for about an hour. At each meeting, three local nonprofits are selected to present. Each presenter has five minutes to make their case, followed by a short question and answer session.
Then the group votes.
The organization with the most votes receives every member’s $100 donation from that meeting.
In one hour, that collective giving turns into more than $12,000 of direct impact.
To date, the group has contributed more than $287,000 back into the White Lake community.
More Than a Fundraising Model
While the structure is efficient, the experience is what keeps members engaged.
Sharon Blankenship said the group is about more than fundraising. It is about bringing together women from all walks of life who share a common purpose of making a difference locally.
That shared purpose shows up in the room. There is a sense of connection, but also focus. The meeting moves quickly, but every moment carries weight.
Awareness That Builds With Every Meeting
One of the most meaningful outcomes is not just where the money goes. It is what members learn along the way.
Blankenship said being part of the group has expanded her awareness of how many nonprofit organizations exist solely to serve the White Lake area, and how many rely on local donations to continue.
Each meeting introduces new stories, new needs, and new perspectives.
That was clear throughout the April 27 gathering.
Louise St.Amour updates on 1st quarter recipient, Homeless Prevention Parters at the April 27 meeting at Hanson Hill
Three Stories That Represent a Community
At this meeting, three members of White Lake Area Women-Making A Difference stepped forward to present on behalf of local organizations, each highlighting a different part of life in the White Lake area. Presenters may also invite a representative from the organization to join them.
One member shared the work of the White Lake Giving Tree, which supports families during the holiday season by providing clothing, gifts, and essential items. Last year, the organization served 929 people, including children, seniors, and veterans.
Another member presented on behalf of the White Lake Fireworks Committee, focusing on preserving a long-standing tradition that brings the community together each summer while facing rising costs and funding challenges.
A third member highlighted the White Lake Youth Sports Club, emphasizing the need for proper equipment to support nearly 1,000 local children and how access to sports helps shape opportunity.
Each presentation lasted just minutes. But together, they painted a broader picture of the community—its needs, its traditions, and its future.
The Moment That Defines the Group
After the presentations, the room shifts.
Ballots are filled out. Conversations quiet down. The decision is no longer theoretical.
Sharon Blankenship described this moment as exciting, joyful, and filled with gratitude. It is the point where intention turns into action.
On April 27, the votes led to the White Lake Giving Tree receiving the full donation of $12,300.
In one hour, the group created a tangible opportunity for that organization to continue its work.
Why It Works in White Lake
The success of White Lake Area Women-Making A Difference comes down to alignment.
Members share a common goal. They support the community in different ways beyond the meetings. And within the group, there is a strong sense of trust.
Blankenship noted that members know their voices will be heard, whether they are offering feedback or raising concerns. That trust builds consistency, and that consistency builds impact.
It is structured, but it is also personal.
A Small Commitment With a Big Result
The strength of the group is not complexity. It is consistency.
One hour. Four times a year. One hundred dollars at a time.
Individually, it feels manageable. Collectively, it becomes significant.
That impact shows up in real ways. Families receive support during the holidays. Community traditions continue. Children gain access to opportunities they might not otherwise have.
What Changed Because of One Meeting
The April 27 meeting was just one night on the calendar.
But what came out of it will extend far beyond that room.
For the White Lake Giving Tree, it means resources to begin preparing for another season of serving families.
For members, it means a deeper understanding of what exists in their community and where help is still needed.
And for the White Lake area, it is a reminder of what can happen when people choose to act together.
White Lake Area Women-Making A Difference is not just a group that gives.
It is a group that listens, learns, and turns one hour into lasting impact.
How to Learn More
Those interested in joining White Lake Area Women-Making A Difference can learn more by searching “White Lake Area Women-Making A Difference” on Facebook.
To become a member, email Sharon Blankenship at sp74gto@aol.com to request a registration form.
Whether you’re looking to give back, connect with others, or make a meaningful local impact, the group welcomes new members who share a passion for strengthening the White Lake community.
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