It began with a deceptively simple notion, the sort that seems to emerge only when good coffee and pleasant company are involved: What if 100 men each contributed $100 every quarter? For three locals, the potential was both tantalizing and immense. Two years later, the ripple effect of more than $80,000 has profoundly impacted 30 community causes and counting.
WG100, a nonprofit founded by Alex Douglas, Aron Hotalen, and Carter Munroe, is transforming Winter Garden through a straightforward yet powerful model. The idea: Round up 100 men who each contribute $100 quarterly and direct the pooled funds to local nonprofits.
The idea for WG100 came to Alex Douglas after a meaningful Christmas experience. He wanted to teach his children about the spirit of giving, which led him to local nonprofits like the Diaper Bank of Central Florida and Eight Waves. “I wanted to create a way to build awareness and involve people in their communities,” Douglas explains.
Aron Hotalen reflects on their early success: “When we gathered our first handful of guys at Plant Street Market, the reception wasn’t lukewarm; they were overwhelmingly excited,” he recalls. “I think if we hadn’t ended up launching it, they would have done it without us.”
Carter Munroe acknowledges the initiative’s unexpected success. “WG100 has outpaced my expectations,” he says. “The concept has really hit a nerve with the guys in this group, showcasing the needs of our community that often go under the radar.”
It’s clear the concept resonates deeply, highlighting often-overlooked community needs.
Now, WG100 is in the midst of expanding its model to two new locations in Florida, Clermont and Parkland,as well as Maryland, North Carolina and Kansas. Douglas says that these expansions are driven by local interest and a commitment to community causes. “If we can take this model nationwide and help other communities, that would be amazing—what a cool thing to look back and say, it all started in Winter Garden!”
In essence, WG100 is more than just a funding mechanism; it’s a community-building effort that fosters connections and a spirit of giving. Its growth promises to amplify its positive impact, proving that collective action can indeed be a driver of extraordinary change.
