Chesapeake Power of 100 Women is a nonprofit that brings women together to make a difference in our community. Each member donates 100 dollars into a pool of money and then members vote on what local nonprofit will receive their collective donation. They have raised nearly 50,000 dollars for local non profits like The Chesterwye Foundation, Compass, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence and more. We’re highlighting a different member of the Power of 100 every month-and this month we talked to Heather Bacher-senior vice president at Shore United Bank to learn a little more about her and what she likes about Power of 100. 

Tell us something you’d like members and Update readers to know about you?

 I love traveling, I just wish I had more time to do it. I have a bucket list item to visit all islands in the Caribbean. So far I have visited about 15.

 Are you native to the Shore? How long have you worked at Shore United? 

   I have lived on Kent Island since 2009.  I have worked for Shore United Bank for 5 years and in the banking industry for over 20 years.  I live in Stevensville with my son, Ryan.

Which local charities have a fond place in your heart and why?

Chesapeake Women’s Network and Bosom Buddies have a close place in my heart.  CWN gives scholarships to women going back to school.  Most of the time they are starting over, going back after having kids, maybe after a bad relationship.  The stories can break your heart but the impact we make can be life changing.  Bosom Buddies promotes breast cancer awareness, encourages early detection , supports treatment and celebrates healing.  My family has been impacted by breast cancer and when my best friend was diagnosed in 2021 the resources this organization offered were incredible. 

If you were to encourage someone to join Power of 100, what would you tell them?

 There is power in numbers and women together are one of the greatest forces in this universe. The generosity of this group collectively makes a big impact. 

What other community organizations do you support and what made you choose them?

CWN, Bosom Buddies, Mid-Shore Community Foundation just to name a few.  I like to support organizations that I can see their efforts actually make a difference and do not have a lot of administrative expenses. 

If you were to nominate a charity to be considered for the Power of 100 meeting, which one would you select and what would you say about them to convince members to vote for them?

I would nominate CWN.  This is a small but mighty organization.  Their scholarships can make a huge impact on individuals in QAC.  You must live and/or work in QAC, be at least 22 years of age and be pursuing an accredited program, certificate program or US college degree.  This is very specific and for a reason.  Many women find themselves in life starting over or rejoining the workforce.  There is very little financial help for this demographic. CWN can be the difference for these women.

You can learn more about Power of 100 at: https://www.powerof100chesapeake.com/. Their next meeting will be in the spring-and you can learn how to sign up on their website.