Around 50 people gathered at La Poste in Perry Monday for 100+ People for Perry’s first quarterly meeting.

Co-founder Mark Powell opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and explaining how the program works.  He thanked Jenny Eklund with the La Poste for having them and assisting with the project.

When they arrived and signed up, each member had the opportunity to designate a cause they are representing or believe in.  Three people were then drawn to present to the group, followed by approximately 5 minutes for questions from other attendees.

Questions that were asked of the presenters included how will the money be used?  Do you receive funding for this project from anywhere else?  How many people will be impacted by the project?  Are there other entities that provide a similar service? How are you promoting this project in the community? And how do you plan to maintain the project in the future?

Members then submitted secret paper ballots with their choice of which project they felt was the most worthy.  The votes were tabulated and Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church was chosen as the first recipient of the funds.  They plan to use the money to create a “Sleep Space” where community members in need can to to get sheets, blankets and pillows to “Ensure that Perry families have a comfortable and warm place to sleep.”

Each member then wrote a check for $100 and the funds were given to the cause at the conclusion of the meeting.  The group’s next meeting will take place in May.