By ABIGAIL SHEARER
Tiger Media Network
Many non-profits serve Ellis County; however, a new non-profit founded by Brandy Ridgway in 2025, 100 Who Care, has already made a significant impact on the community in a short amount of time.
Ridgway grew up in Dodge City with her mother and four siblings. After finishing high school, she attended Fort Hays State University. In 2003, she married her husband, and together, they decided to make Hays their home, dedicating themselves to serving the community.
She has a personal understanding of the difference that non-profits and generous neighbors can make. Recognizing a need in the community, she established 100 Who Care to help fund other non-profit organizations in Ellis County.
100 Who Care helps other non-profit organizations with an eventual goal of $10,000 from 100 members, each with $100 donation.
“100 Who Care has proven that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they unite for good,” Ridgway said.
The organization is designed for those who want to support the Hays community and help address its needs.
“It only takes one hour and $100 to join, because we are entirely volunteer-run,” Ridgway said. “Every cent raised at our meetings goes directly to the nonprofit chosen by our members.”
The next meeting is at 6 p.m. tonight at the Sternberg Museum.
They meet four times a year, in January, April, July, and October.