Milestone quarter pushes local giving past $100,000 in donations
By Lori Leath Smith
In a world that often moves too fast to notice those in need, a local group of men is pausing—once a quarter—to make a lasting difference. And that pause is powerful!
This past quarter, 100 Men Who Care – Emerald Coast awarded $9,300 to the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation (NWFGAL), a nonprofit that stands in the gap for some of our community’s most vulnerable children.
At a recent check presentation, members of the group met with Roslyn Snyder and Donna Franke of NWFGAL at their Fort Walton Beach offices to learn firsthand how their collective donation will directly impact children who are navigating the court system due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
“These are young people seeking stability in heartbreaking situations,” said Don Roberts, a 100 Men Who Care member and GAL volunteer. “Many come from homes affected by drug or alcohol addiction, incarceration, or other traumatic disruptions. Guardian ad Litem steps in so that every child has someone to stand beside them—someone whose only goal is to advocate for their best interests. It’s a role that can truly change the course of a child’s life.”
The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office pairs trained volunteer advocates with children involved in the dependency court system. Here in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, NWFGAL goes beyond the courtroom—raising funds to meet the daily needs of these children: things like clothing, school supplies, tutoring, therapy, summer camps, and even birthday gifts—simple things that remind a child they matter.
“Our mission is about more than just showing up in court,” said Roslyn Snyder. “It’s about helping children cope and showing them someone cares. Whether it’s ensuring they have shoes that fit, a backpack to carry to school, or a counselor to help them work through trauma—we want them to feel seen, safe, and supported. This gift helps make that possible.”
For the men of 100 Men Who Care, the act of giving is rooted in purpose. Since the chapter’s founding, their “quiet, but aimful pauses” have contributed more than $100,000 to 15 nonprofits throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties—supporting organizations that serve children, single mothers, veterans, the homeless and those with unmet medical needs.
The model behind 100 Men Who Care is refreshingly simple—each member commits to donating $100 quarterly, creating a powerful giving pool. I first spoke with Scott Rude, founding member of the Emerald Coast chapter, when the group launched in 2021. Scott networked, met with Rotaries, local chambers, and wherever his message was welcomed, finding an exceptional number of community minded men to help shape a vision rooted in efficiency and generosity. These men bring experience from fields such as business, education and nonprofit leadership, and are united by one common goal: to make a tangible difference in their community without the barriers of red tape or complex fundraising.
“We didn’t want another complicated nonprofit—we wanted something lean, fast and impactful. Just real guys doing good things for our community,” said Ed Lagrou, steering committee member.
By gathering 100(+) like-minded men and pooling contributions, membership provides local nonprofits with significant, immediate support—without asking for more than a few hours each year. That concept quickly resonated, and the impact has grown steadily. At each quarterly meeting, members hear from three nominated nonprofits, then vote on which one will receive the full donation—now nearing $10,000. In just one evening, lives are changed.
“What amazes me most is the unbelievable people and organizations we’re called on to support. Our members nominate these area nonprofits, we come together to hear their needs and make a contribution to help meet needs in our community,” said Scott. “We’re all busy, but this simple format gives us a way to make real, local impact in just one hour every few months. In an hour, we’ve changed a life. It’s fast, it’s efficient—and it’s powerful.”
The next quarterly meeting will be held at The Craft Bar – Harbor in Destin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16. All men who care about the community are welcome to attend, meet the members, and learn how they can be part of something bigger.
“This community is full of people with good hearts. Sometimes they just need an easy and enjoyable way to give back. We may each give $100, but collectively, the ripple effect is far greater. That’s the beauty of this model—it turns simple generosity into powerful change. That’s what we built,” said Scott.
And, as their donations continue to grow, so does their impact—one quarter, one check, one deserving local charity at a time.
To learn more or get involved, visit 100mwcec.com, email 100mwcec@gmail.com, or connect with the group on Facebook.
SIDEBAR: Founding and Steering Committee Members of 100 Men Who Care – Emerald Coast
Established in 2021
- Scott Rude – Retired business executive and community volunteer (Santa Rosa Beach)
- Drew McDowell – Financial Advisor, Mariner Wealth Advisors (Destin)
- Ed LaGrou – Retired Colonel, USAF (Niceville)
- David Glinka – Retired Master Sargeant, USAF and community volunteer (Niceville)
The membership has created a giving circle built on simplicity, local impact, and personal connection. The model has inspired nearly 100 new members and thousands in charitable giving.
