by Kasia Pawlowska
Marin Magazine | December 2018

Make your charitable donations count this holiday season.

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

Just like in years prior, we asked local groups making a difference in the community exactly how your contribution could help them. The response we got was overwhelming. 31 groups answered, detailing where a total of $344,100 would be allocated. The requests for funding covered a broad span: one tank of gas, five specialist salaries, six calls for computers, 12 groups needing volunteer support, numerous calls for supplies ranging from leashes, recliners, x-ray film, books, clothing, refrigerators, eye glasses and other items that could dramatically change the lives of many people.

 

100+ Marin

 

• $100: When 100+ people come together and each donates $100, they create a $10,000+ major gift for a local nonprofit. That's real impact! Please spread the word and join us at www.100MARIN.org
  
  

 

By Mimi Towle • Photo by Blink Inc
Marin Magazine | November 2017

A founding principal at Larkspur’s Portico Wealth Advisors, Leidy has been a financial planner and business development officer for more than a decade. More recently he also became a founding member and CFO of CORE, a group of local businesspeople who created the 100MARIN “giving circle.”

1 When was 100MARIN started?

100MARIN was created in January 2015 by community-minded professionals hoping to increase each member’s giving impact and to strengthen the network of individuals who feel strongly about supporting Marin nonprofits.

2 How do you accomplish that mission?

Members donate $100 and we have one giving event each year. In prior years the event was semiannual. Before each event, members nominate a favorite Marin nonprofit, one of which is drawn at random from each of 100MARIN’s five nonprofit categories and asked to make a four-minute presentation at the giving event. Then members vote for their favorite presentations and the winner receives all of the donations. Runners-up also get at least $1,000 that is funded by event sponsors. The nonprofit categories are Animals/Environment; Arts/Culture/Humanities; Health/Human Services; Children/Education; and Public Benefit.

3 What’s been accomplished to date?

100MARIN has hosted four giving events that have raised over $145,000 for 20 different Marin County nonprofits. In order to be eligible, nonprofits must have existed for at least one year, be registered, and be committed to using funds awarded strictly for the benefit of Marin County. Past winners include North Bay Children’s Center, Jessica’s Haven and Rescue, Wednesday’s Gift, and Marin City Health and Wellness Center. On average, each received $30,000 and each year the amount awarded has increased.

4 How many members are in 100MARIN?

Currently there are 325 members and we’re growing. Recently we received a $10,000 matching grant from the Marin Community Foundation, affording the next 100 members who join the chance to double their philanthropic impact. Members are expected to simply make their $100 contribution, whether or not they are able to attend the annual event.

5 Tell me about your members.

100MARIN is the philanthropic arm of the Marin Economic Forum; our members genuinely care about the vibrancy of Marin County. Also, in contrast to many nonprofit fundraisers, 100MARIN is not focused on the size of the check that any one individual can write. Instead, it’s about inspiring as many people as possible to write the same-size check, thereby building a community of givers while simultaneously raising Marin’s philanthropic consciousness.

View article on Marin Magazine website

THE NORTH BAY Business Journal
May 11th, 2016

Describe your organization.

100MARIN: 100+ People Who Care: Marin County (100MARIN) is Marin County’s premier giving circle. Founded in January 2015, the group has over 200 members and a host of additional local enthusiasts.

The giving circle concept is not new. Started in 2006 by a group of cause-minded women in the Midwest, there are now hundreds of giving circles nationwide and abroad.

In four events, 100MARIN has raised more than $165,000 for local non-profits, showcased 20 local nonprofits’ visions and values and inspired the creation of 100SONOMA and 100ADA.

Marin Business Forum: The Marin Business Forum (MBF) is a community where like-minded business owners can share valuable information to improve business practices and productivity by leveraging the power of collaboration. Marin Business Forum has 3 educational and inspirational events annually. The events are free to members of the Bay Area business community.

Marin Economic Forum: The Marin Economic forum provides information and opportunities to collaborate for improving Marin County’s economic vitality, while seeking to increase social equity and protect the environment.

Marin’s Economic Stakeholders include private sector companies, chambers of commerce, county and municipal governments, educational institutions, organizations supporting workforce employment, housing, and similar economic-related activities, consumer groups, and other organizations as designated by the MEF Board of Directors.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Petaluma: Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties serves more than 5,100 youth ages 6 through 18. We provide a safe place where youth can interact with caring adults who help them to develop a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence and competence.

The Club is open 2:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. after school and from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the summer. The Teen Club is open 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Caring youth-development professionals offer life-enhancing programs in five core areas.

• Sports, Fitness and Recreation
• Health & Life Skills
• Education & Career Skills
• Character & Leadership Development
• The Arts
  

The Club offers year-round programming at 10 Clubhouses throughout Petaluma, San Rafael and Sausalito/Marin County.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a partner and Executive Vice President with Filice Insurance. Filice Insurance is a large California based employee benefits consultancy that has offices in San Rafael, San Jose, Moraga, Sacramento and Orange County. Nina manages the San Rafael office and focuses on relationship management and oversight, strategic benefit planning, and new client acquisition.

My clients include an impressive list of local and Bay Area nonprofits, schools and higher education institutions, as well as for-profit businesses. As a member of the executive team, Nina also plays a role in the direction of the firm’s strategic business objectives. Prior to joining Filice, I was an employment law attorney with Sedgwick and Littler, both large, national law firms. Prior to law school,

I worked as a manager of a broadcast union, N.A.B.E.T and as a paralegal for Wild, Carey & Fife. I hold a B.A. in Comparative Literature/English Literature with highest honors from U.C. Berkeley and a J.D. from Berkeley Law (Boalt Hall School of Law) at U.C. Berkeley.

I am also one of the co-founders and board members of Marin Business Forum and 100MARIN, and sit on the Board of Marin Economic Forum. I just accepted a position on the Leadership Council for Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Petaluma.

I reside in Kentfield with my two children who attend Redwood High School and Kent Middle School. My kids are my inspiration and motivation, and there is no one I would rather spend time with. When I am not working or supporting local non-profits, I like to travel, attend live music events, hike, run, bike, do yoga, and relax with friends and family.

What is your role in the organization?

I am the CEO and one of the founders of 100MARIN. I am one of the founders and executive leaders of Marin Business Forum. Also, I am a board member of Marin Economic Forum, and I am on the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Leadership Council.

What achievement are you most proud of?

I am proud of being one of the founders of 100MARIN and Marin Business Forum. In particular, I am proud of 100MARIN. We have raised more than $165,000 in less than 2 years and have impacted many local nonprofits

QUICK TAKES

Most want to meet: Nonprofit leaders in the Bay Area

Stress relievers: Spending time with my children, friends and family

Favorite hobbies: Running and yoga

Social media you most use: LinkedIn

Buzz word from your industry you hate the most: Downgrade

Words that best describe you: Energetic and hard working

Nina Gardner
PARTNER, EXECUTIVE VP
FILICE INSURANCE
AWARD CATEGORY: BOARD LEADERSHIP
711 GRAND AVE. STE. 275
SAN RAFAEL, 94901
415-717-8583
WWW.FILICE.COM
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: PARTNER AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT WITH FILICE INSURANCE AGENCY
EDUCATION: B.A. FROM U.C. BERKELEY AND J.D. FROM BERKELEY LAW AT U.C. BERKELEY (BOALT HALL)
STAFF: 100MARIN AND MARIN BUSINESS FORUM ARE BOTH VOLUNTEER RUN ORGANIZATIONS WITH NO PAID STAFF. MARIN ECONOMIC FORUM’S CEO IS JIM CORDEIRO AND HIS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IS RACHEL JOHNSON. ROBERT MARCUS IS THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS.

View article online

San Rafael, CA, September 28th, 2016 –Marin’s premier giving circle, 100+ People Who Care: Marin County (100MARIN), shut down a block of A St. in downtown San Rafael on Wednesday, September 28th, from 6-8PM for the fourth of its fundraising events.    

With over 300 attendees and 400 total givers, 100MARIN’s top award of $40,000 went to Marin City Health & Wellness Center, a program dedicated to health equality for African American communities.

“We need as much help as we can get to change the world,” said Zared Lloyd, Program Director of the Center’s Defenders program, a leadership development initiative for teenage boys. “Thank you to 100MARIN for doing your part and doing what you can.  It means the world to our youth.”

The event was hosted by CORE, a local group of business professionals, the members of which have a shared passion for Marin County and its non-profit community. 

The evening’s marquee sponsor was Michael Caldwell of the Caldwell Law Firm. 

CORE CEO Nina Gardner had the following to say:

“It was a fantastic evening for our nonprofit nominees and for the Marin community at large.  The turnout was terrific, the setting was magical, the food and wine were divine, and the presentations were nothing short of inspirational.”

The presenting non-profits were as follow:

• Animals/Environment: Marin Humane Society
• Health/Human Services: Marin City Health & Wellness Center
• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Enriching Lives through Music
• Children/Education: Beyond Differences
• Public Benefit: Ceres Community Project

And through the generosity of the following additional sponsors, each of the 4 runners up was awarded $1,000:

The event’s format was as follows:  5 non-profit organizations each gave timed, 4-minute presentations during which they shared their mission, vision, need, and impact in Marin.  All attendees were then asked to vote for their favorite presentation, at which point the votes were tallied, and Marin City Health & Wellness Center was announced as the winner. 

Since its inception in January 2015, 100MARIN has hosted four events that have collectively raised over $165,000 for 20 Marin-based nonprofits who improve our local community. The winning non-profit of the Spring 2016 event, Wednesday’s Gift, spoke prior to the presentations and shared with the audience the impact on their organization. As a result of winning 100 Marin, they utilized all $35K awarded for their programs to improve the community, and subsequently secured a matching grant for an additional $35K.

The event was hosted al fresco, in the middle of A St., right out in front of Il Davide.  Proprietor David Haydon catered the event, along with Jim Modesitt of Big Jim’s BBQ and Ted Razatos of Green Chili Kitchen.  Wine sponsors included Duckhorn Vineyards, Rombauer Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards, White Oak Winery, and Incavo Wine Lounge & Collective.

CORE’s Vice President and principal of Portico Wealth Advisors, Jonathan Leidy, emceed the evening, and said the following: 

“100MARIN currently have over 250 members and a host of additional local enthusiasts.  Ultimately, we’d like to grow the group to 1,000 strong, and it’s special evenings like this one that will help us do just that.”

For more information about 100MARIN or the most recent event please contact Jonathan Leidy 415.509.4668 or jonathan@porticowealth.com.

By Adrian Rodriguez, Marin Independent Journal

As director of the Defenders, a Marin City Health and Wellness Center behavioral health program for teen boys, Zared Lloyd teaches his students to live up to the name.

“They are the defenders of Marin City,” he said. “They have to set the standard of how a man should be: men of integrity who have valor.”

It’s the sort of inspiration that 100Marin hopes to encourage with the $40,000 it awarded to the Marin City nonprofit Wednesday night at the biannual fundraising gala it sponsored in San Rafael.

More than 300 people each pledged $100 at the block party event hosted in front of Il Davide Restaurante on A Street between Third and Fourth streets, where five nonprofits pitched their programs in hopes of earning enough votes for the grand prize.

“It went fabulously,” said Jonathan Leidy, a founding core member of the group — officially called 100+ People Who Care: Marin County. “We received positive feedback and everyone had a good time learning about the great work that these nonprofits do.”

Since it was founded in 2014, 100Marin has grown to 239 members and has held fundraising events twice a year, raising a total of more than $160,000. The group operates under a “giving circle” model, in which members commit to donate money at events where pre-selected nonprofits give a brief pitch about their organizations. Leidy said he hopes the group could expand to the point that it could award $100,000 in one night.

The Marin Humane Society, Enriching Lives Through Music, Beyond Differences and the Ceres Community Project were runners-up, receiving $1,000 each.

Lloyd said the money will go directly to support the Defenders program, which is offered to teen boys ages 11 to 18 at Willow Creek Academy in Sausalito, Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in Marin City and now at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley. The program is also expanding to Bayview Hunters Point in San Francisco.

It’s a youth empowerment program in which participants develop self-esteem, self-discipline, respect for family and social relationships, resiliency against negative peer pressure, academic progress, citizenship, cultural and intellectual enrichment, and learn entrepreneurship.

More than 50 teen boys have joined the program, and the money will help fund more group retreats, where Lloyd said he is able to “really break through” to the boys.

The Marin City Health and Wellness Center operates on about a $5 million budget with 45 full-time staff. More than 2,000 people a year seek care at the center.

For more information, visit marincityclinic.org.

View article online

By Adrian Rodriguez, Marin Independent Journal

A block off of San Rafael’s main drag will be shut down Wednesday night for a fundraising gala sponsored by 100Marin, a charity that plans to award a lucky nonprofit organization upwards of $30,000.

About 300 people are expected to attend the event from 6 to 8 p.m. in front of Il Davide Restaurante on A Street between Third and Fourth streets. Each attendee will pledge $100 that will be put in a pot and awarded to one of five nonprofits.

“There can only be one winner,” said Jonathan Leidy, a founding core member of the group — officially called 100+ People Who Care: Marin County. “But really, all the nonprofits win. It’s great exposure and the true value is the community building for the nonprofits.”

Since it was founded in 2014, 100Marin has grown to 239 members and has held fundraising events twice a year, raising a total of more than $120,000. The group operates under a “giving circle” model, in which members commit to donate money at events where pre-selected nonprofits give a brief pitch about their organizations.

Members, who are allowed to nominate one nonprofit each year, also invite others to pledge. The donors at the event then collectively select a single winner. 100Marin uses five pre-selected nonprofits and allows them a four-minute pitch.

Leidy noted that the consolation prizes will include monetary gifts of between about $1,000 and $3,000.

Sandra Beaton joined 100Marin after being impressed with one of its parties.

“I firmly believe in my heart that this is a unique and inspirational type of event,” she said. “When you watch the connections that take place; when you watch some of the new ideas and friendships that come out of it; everyone is so inspired.”

The following nonprofits will pitch their programs:

• Animals/environment: The Marin Humane Society.
• Arts/culture/humanity: Enriching Lives Through Music
• Health/human services: Marin City Health & Wellness Center.
• Children/education: Beyond Differences.
• Public benefit: The Ceres Community Project.
  

The deadline to RSVP online is noon Tuesday. Go to 100marin.org/event-2200901. Pledges are also accepted the day of the event for $120.

View article online

THE NORTH BAY Business Journal
May 11th, 2016

The philanthropic organization 100+ People Who Care: Marin County (100Marin.org) hosted its spring event on March 10 at The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato.

Close to 300 attendees and 350 total givers participated. 100Marin’s top award of $35,000 went to Wednesday’s Gift, a program that provides emergency, one-time assistance to individuals and families in crisis.

“Wednesday’s Gift would like to thank 100+ People Who Care: Marin County for their generous gift,” said Wednesday’s Gift’s Board Secretary, Aileen Wormwood. “You have provided a boost that will allow us to increase the number of people we help throughout Marin County. With these funds, we plan to forge stronger partnerships with Marin’s social services, so that we can keep despair at bay for those who need help staying in their homes or providing food for their families. 100Marin’s gift will help to widen our circle, foster more kindness and compassion towards those in need, and allow us to offer services to more local individuals and families. 100Marin has helped us ‘Be the change we want to see in the world.’ Thank you for this great honor!”

The event was hosted by CORE, a local group of business professionals, the members of which have a shared passion for Marin County and its non-profit community. The evening’s marquee sponsors were Pacific Union International and International ProInsurance.

The presenting nonprofits were:

• Animals/Environment: Marin County Bicycle Coalition.
• Health/Human Services: Wednesday’s Gift.
• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Novato Theater.
• Children/Education: Marin County School Volunteers.
• Public Benefit: ExtraFood.org.

Each of the four runners up were awarded $1,000, funded by these sponsors:

• Hennessy Funds.
• Alta Employment Law.
• Out of the Woods Custom Cabinetry.
• Do Your Thing, bookkeeping and strategy for creative daredevils.

The event’s format was five nonprofits each gave four-minute presentations, during which they shared their mission, vision, need and impact in Marin. All attendees were then asked to vote for their favorite presentation. Wednesday’s Gift was announced as the winner.

David Haydon of Il Davide catered the event. Frank Family Vineyards, Starry Night Winery, Vias Imports Ltd, and A.L. Romano Wine Company poured wine.

This event comes on the heels of 100Marin’s inaugural year, during which the circle members awarded roughly $60,000 to local nonprofits in 2015.

“100Marin just continues to grow, and with that growth comes bigger and bigger impact within Marin County,” said Jonathan Leidy, CORE vice president and principal of Portico Wealth Advisors. He emceed the evening. “We now have over 200 full-time members and host of additional supporters. Together, we are all making a difference, each leveraging our $100 donations to create a truly meaningful gift for one local nonprofit.”

View article online

View Spring 2016 event photo gallery

Novato, CA, March 10th, 2016 – Marin’s premier giving circle, 100+ People Who Care: Marin County (100MARIN), hosted its Spring 2016 event on Thursday, March 10th, from 6-8PM, at The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA.    

With close to 300 attendees and 350 total givers, 100MARIN’s top award of $35K went to Wednesday’s Gift, a program that provides emergency, one-time assistance to individuals and families in crisis.

“Wednesday’s Gift would like to thank 100+ People Who Care: Marin County for their generous gift. You have provided a boost that will allow us to increase the number of people we help throughout Marin County,” said Wednesday’s Gift’s Board Secretary, Aileen Wormwood. “With these funds, we plan to forge stronger partnerships with Marin’s social services, so that we can keep despair at bay for those who need help staying in their homes or providing food for their families. 100MARIN’s gift will help to widen our circle, foster more kindness and compassion towards those in need, and allow us to offer services to more local individuals and families. 100MARIN has helped us ‘Be the change we want to see in the world.’ Thank you for this great honor!”

The event was hosted by CORE, a local group of business professionals, the members of which have a shared passion for Marin County and its non-profit community.  The evening’s marquee sponsors were Pacific Union International and International ProInsurance. 

The presenting non-profits were as follow:

• Animals/Environment: Marin County Bicycle Coalition
• Health/Human Services: Wednesday’s Gift
• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Novato Theater
• Children/Education: Marin County School Volunteers
• Public Benefit: ExtraFood.org

And through the generosity of the following additional sponsors, each of the 4 runners up was awarded $1,000:

• Hennessy Funds
• Alta Employment Law
• Out of the Woods Custom Cabinetry
• Do Your Thing, bookkeeping and strategy for creative daredevils

The event’s format was as follows:  5 non-profit organizations each gave timed, 4-minute presentations during which they shared their mission, vision, need, and impact in Marin.  All attendees were then asked to vote for their favorite presentation, at which point the votes were tallied, and Wednesday’s Gift was announced as the winner. 

David Haydon of Il Davide catered the event and Frank Family Vineyards, Starry Night Winery, VIAS IMPORTS LTD, and A.L. Romano Wine Company all poured wine.

This event comes on the heels of 100MARIN’s inaugural year, during which the circle members awarded roughly $60K to local non-profits in 2015.

CORE’s Vice President and principal of Portico Wealth Advisors, Jonathan Leidy, emceed the evening, and said the following: 

“100MARIN just continues to grow, and with that growth comes bigger and bigger impact within Marin County.

We now have over 200 full-time members and host of additional supporters.  Together, we are all making a difference, each leveraging our $100 donations to create a truly meaningful gift for one local nonprofit.”

For more information about 100MARIN or last week’s event contact Jonathan Leidy 415.509.4668 or jonathan@porticowealth.com.

By Janis Mara, Marin Independent Journal

Clad in a blue and white smock, Stefanie Donellan expertly lifted Sunshine the rescue dog into the bathtub at Jessica’s Haven and Rescue, a San Rafael shelter staffed in part by disabled youth.

Donellan, 24, who is on the autism spectrum, kept the Chihuahua calm as she soaped her up, then gently rinsed her off with a hose.

It’s likely Donellan will soon have more coworkers at the shelter, thanks to an infusion of funds from a new giving circle called 100+ People Who Care: Marin County.

Formed in late 2014, the giving circle has already raised more than $60,000. Jessica’s Haven and Rescue was awarded about $25,000, “and that will buy a lot of dog biscuits,” said Krystalynn Schlegel, a donor and founding member, as she cradled Hennessey, another rescue dog, at the shelter.

The giving circle, which is also known as 100Marin, has about 275 givers and is accepting new members.  view entire article