By Damian Bruno | Founding Member, 100 Men Who Care Verde Valley Alliance
What if 100 local men could come together and donate $10,000 to a deserving Verde Valley nonprofit in just one hour?
That’s the idea behind 100 Men Who Care Verde Valley Alliance, a new community giving group bringing together men from Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, Camp Verde, and surrounding communities.
A few of us recently came together with a shared vision: to create a simple, effective way for local men to support the nonprofit organizations that make the Verde Valley such a special place to live.
We wanted something different from traditional fundraising. No elaborate galas, expensive events, endless committee meetings, or complicated membership obligations. Just local men coming together three times a year, combining their charitable contributions, and making a meaningful difference in their own communities.
Our goal is to grow to 100 members, with each member contributing $100 at each meeting. Together, we can generate $10,000 for a local nonprofit in a single evening and potentially $30,000 annually.
And the best part? It requires only about three hours and $300 per year from each member.
How Does 100 Men Who Care Work?
Our approach is intentionally straightforward.
Three times each year, our members gather for a one-hour meeting that we call a Giving Circle.
Before each Giving Circle, three local nonprofit organizations are selected and vetted. Representatives from those organizations are invited to attend and make brief, 10-minute presentations explaining their missions, the communities they serve, and how they would put our collective donation to work.
After hearing all three presentations, our members vote on which nonprofit they would like to support.
The organization receiving the most votes is selected, and each member writes a $100 check directly to that nonprofit.
There is no complicated fundraising process, and our group doesn’t retain any of the charitable contributions. The donations go directly to the organization selected by our members.
At subsequent Giving Circles, representatives from the previously selected nonprofit return to share how they used the donations and the difference those contributions made.
This allows our members to see the direct results of their collective generosity.
Supporting Nonprofits Throughout the Verde Valley
One of our founding principles is that this organization should represent the entire Verde Valley, not just one town or neighborhood.
Throughout our region, dedicated nonprofits work tirelessly to address important community needs. Whether they support families experiencing financial difficulties, provide educational opportunities, protect our environment, assist seniors, or offer essential community services, these organizations contribute enormously to our quality of life.
Our goal is to bring greater financial support and awareness to these organizations while introducing our members to the important work happening right in their own communities.
Just imagine the difference a $10,000 contribution could make to a smaller local nonprofit.
Rather than making relatively small, individual donations to numerous organizations, we can combine our resources to provide more substantial contributions to organizations selected collectively by our members.
Why We’re Keeping It Simple
As one of the founding members, I believe one of the most attractive aspects of 100 Men Who Care is its simplicity.
Many people want to give back but lead busy lives. Between our families, careers, personal commitments, and existing community activities, finding additional time to volunteer or participate in another organization can be challenging.
This national concept was designed with that reality in mind.
There are no elaborate fundraising campaigns or ongoing volunteer requirements. We are a loosely organized giving circle with one primary purpose: bringing local men together to make a difference.
Our members make three commitments:
- Attend three Giving Circles annually whenever possible.
- Contribute $100 at each Giving Circle to the selected nonprofit.
- Support the collective decision of the membership.
That’s it!
Of course, members are welcome to become more involved, help recruit others, and develop relationships with the organizations we support. But none of that is required.
We want participation to be enjoyable, rewarding, and accessible.
Join Us for Our First Giving Circle in the Village of Oak Creek
Inaugural Giving Circle
October 19, 2026
5:00–6:00 p.m.
690 Bell Rock Boulevard
Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, Arizona
We’re excited to hold our first official Giving Circle right here in the Village of Oak Creek on October 19, 2026.
We’re currently recruiting members from throughout the Verde Valley and inviting men who share our enthusiasm for strengthening the communities in which we live.
You don’t need to be a business owner, community leader, or experienced philanthropist to participate. If you’re interested in supporting local nonprofits and can commit three hours and $300 a year, we’d love to have you involved.
Our next two Giving Circles are scheduled for January 19 and April 19, 2027.
How to Become a Member
We’re actively welcoming new members as we work toward our initial goal of 100 men.
If you’re interested in becoming part of 100 Men Who Care Verde Valley Alliance, please contact either of us. We’ll be happy to provide our introductory flyer, answer questions, and send you a membership commitment form.
Contact our founding members
Damian Bruno
928-202-0038
DamianBruno.ColdwellBanker@yahoo.com
Email Damian
David Gill
928-202-2687
davidhgill@gmail.com
Or visit the website below:
Together, 100 men making relatively small individual commitments can create something much bigger.
Three hours. Three checks. One stronger Verde Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 100 Men Who Care Verde Valley Alliance?
It’s a local charitable giving group that brings together men from throughout Arizona’s Verde Valley to support local nonprofit organizations through collective donations.
How much does membership cost?
Members commit to donating $100 directly to the selected nonprofit at each of three annual Giving Circles, for a total annual charitable commitment of $300.
How are nonprofits selected?
Three local nonprofits are selected and vetted before each Giving Circle. Representatives present their organizations to members, who then vote to select the recipient of their collective contributions.
Where and when does the group meet?
The inaugural Giving Circle is scheduled for October 19, 2026, from 5–6 p.m. at 690 Bell Rock Boulevard in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, Arizona.
How can I join?
Contact founding members Damian Bruno or David Gill to request a membership commitment form and additional information. Or visit the website for more information and commitment documents.
Our inspiration was the 100 Women Who Care, whom you can visit below:
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/PdWhKXA/100-Women-Who-Care-Sedona-Verde-Valley
