May 5, 2025
VIROQUA, Wis. – In just 26 minutes, the Power of 100+ Driftless Region raised $12,480 at their most recent quarterly meeting. The group gathered at the scenic Pedretti Party Barn on Sunday, May 5, continuing its mission of uniting community members through simple, high-impact giving.
Founded in 2016 by Jenna Bean and Randi Strangstalien, Power of 100+ Driftless Region is a community based giving circle focused on financially supporting the communities of Cashton, Chaseburg, Coon Valley, Stoddard, Viroqua and Westby. With a shared belief in the strength of rural communities and neighbors helping neighbors, the group has grown to 123 members and has given over $341,000 to 74 different causes ranging from families to community events to EMS equipment to schools and more.
“We operate in the spirit of simplicity,” said co-founder Jenna Bean. “There’s no red tape, no overhead—every dollar goes straight into the hands of someone in need.”
Members of Power of 100 commit to donating $100 at each of the four annual meetings (February, May, August, and November). Nominations are submitted ahead of each meeting. Three of those nominations are randomly selected to present, and members vote on the recipient of the bulk of the funds. The remaining two presenters each receive $1,000.
“It’s empowering how opening your wallet at the start of the meeting leads to opening your heart by the end of the meeting,” said Bean. “We often see tears throughout the audience when we announce winners because our members are so connected within our communities and with the nominees.”
The May 2025 Impact Award of over $10,000 was granted to Kim Johnson, a lifelong resident of the Westby area, who is the Kickapoo Schools District Administrator. Johnson is currently recovering from a life-altering car accident that happened in February on her way to work. With injuries to her spleen, pelvis, hip, femur, ankle, and wrist, she faces a long road of rehabilitation and financial uncertainty.
During their presentation at the meeting, Kim and her husband, Aaron, shared that while it has been difficult to accept help, they are incredibly moved by the support from Power of 100 and the community at-large.
“God didn’t take the storm away, but He sent His people to carry us through it.” said Johnson. “In every prayer, every message, every visit, and the truly generous gift from the Power of 100, we have felt His love in action. Your kindness has been a vessel of His grace, sustaining us through this painful journey and reminding us that we are not alone.”
Two additional nominees presented at the meeting, and each were granted a $1,000 gift from Power of 100. The Westby Cross Country coach, Brian Hueber, pitched on behalf of an upcoming team trip to California; funds will be used to support travel and team development for 12 local student-athletes attending a competitive summer event. Leah Crook spoke on behalf of her husband, Chad Crook, for help with medical equipment and home modifications following a traumatic UTV accident that left Chad paralyzed.
The end of the meeting capped off with announcing yet another winner of a voluntary raffle for meeting attendees. Known as the Five Buck Duck Raffle, the Coon Valley Diamond Club will receive $180 from Power of 100. The additional funds were raised through individual $5 contributions, again demonstrating the power of pooling resources and funds to support important local causes.
Power of 100+ Driftless Region continues to welcome new members and guests, with the goal of expanding its reach and deepening its impact.
“We’re changing lives $100 at a time,” said co-founder Randi Strangstalien. “And everyone is invited to be part of that magic.”
Guests are welcome to attend and experience a meeting without obligation to join.
If you are interested in joining the group or would like to learn more, please send an email to powerof100driftless@gmail.com or call (608) 606-0448. You can also “Like” the group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/powerof100driftlessregion. Power of 100 is run entirely by volunteers with no administrative fees solicited from members. 100% of the funds donated by members are directly given to the Impact Award Winner and the two additional nominees each quarter.
The next Power of 100+ Driftless Region meeting will be held the first Sunday in August, and a location will be set as the date arrives. Meetings are announced via email and on Facebook.
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