Aug. 5, 2025
COON VALLEY, Wis. – August 5, 2025 — On Sunday, August 3, the Power of 100+ Driftless Region gathered at a newly opened venue in Coon Valley (Country Chicks Catering & Venue In The Valley) where the collective power of its 126 members resulted in a donation of over $12,000 to support local community organizations and projects.
This quarter’s meeting highlighted three diverse causes—each one embodying the organization’s mission to build stronger, more connected communities through simple impactful giving.
The August 2025 Impact Award, totaling over $10,000, was awarded to four local food pantries including the Stoddard Community Food Pantry, Cashton Cupboard & Closet, Living Faith Food Pantry, and Bethel Butikk. As the need for food assistance continues to rise while funding decreases, this grant comes at a critical time for these organizations, which serve families, children, seniors, veterans, and individuals across multiple zip codes in the Driftless Region. These pantries are not just offering food—they’re offering dignity, hope, and community.
Each of the two additional nominees received a $1,000 grant.
The Eckhart Park Renovation Project, affectionately known as “Dragon Park” in Viroqua, is raising funds to replace the aging playground with an accessible, multi-generational structure. With significant support already pledged by the City of Viroqua, this grassroots effort is building a space for play, inclusion, and connection.
Live in Viroqua, a free community concert series held every other Saturday during the summer, brings people together through music, joy, and a shared sense of belonging. Run entirely by volunteers, the concert series draws attendees from across the region and is sustained by individual and business donations.
In addition to the Impact Award, the group’s $5 Buck Duck Raffle raised an extra $195 for the Norseland Nursing Home Auxiliary, pushing the organization’s total giving to over $350,000 since its founding in 2016.
Power of 100+ Driftless Region operates with a simple yet powerful model. Each member commits to donating $100 four times per year. At each quarterly meeting, members nominate local causes, three are selected at random to present, and after brief presentations, the group votes to select one primary recipient. The two remaining nominees receive $1,000 each. Every dollar donated goes directly to the causes. The group is entirely volunteer run and does not keep any operational funds.
“There was a beautiful thread that ran through each nominee’s story this quarter,” said co-founder Randi Strangstalien, “Each one reminded us that building community is about giving hope, sharing compassion, and creating places where people feel like they belong.”
The next Power of 100+ Driftless Region meeting will be held on Sunday, November 2 at 4:00 PM. New members are always welcome and can sign up here.
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New members sign-up here.
2025 Meeting Dates:
- February 2
- May 4
- August 3
- November 2
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