Interview with: Scott Rude, Founder
What is 100 Men Who Care Emerald Coast?
We’re a group of local men who come together four times a year to make a meaningful, immediate impact on the most pressing needs in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Our model is simple. Each man donates $100 per quarter and when 100+ men participate, we deliver over $10,000 in a single evening — directly to local nonprofits. That’s the Power of 100. Qualified local nonprofits are nominated by our members, and each quarter we invite three of those nonprofits to present, giving them the chance to be awarded over $10,000. There is no bureaucracy and no overhead. 100% of every dollar goes straight to the organizations doing the hard work on the ground. Our focus has been on the greatest needs in our community: helping children, families in crisis, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness.
How did the group get started?
Before moving to the Emerald Coast in 2020, I was involved with the 100 Men Who Care Hawkeye chapter in Iowa. When I arrived in the area, I found there wasn’t a similar group locally. I talked with neighbors, local leaders, chambers, rotaries – whoever would listen and found what I knew I would find; this community is full of good men who want to give back. So, we built it member by member. We held our first meeting in 2021 (with 27 members) and have since grown to more than 120 members from across the Emerald Coast.
What kind of impact has the group had?
Since launching, we have awarded nearly $150,000 to local nonprofits. That means, for instance, that A Bed For Me can provide more children with their own beds, that Crossroads Medical is able to see more patients for urgently needed uninsured medical and dental care, that local veterans receive the therapy they need for PTSD through Healing Hoof Steps or Defenders of Freedom, and that children have advocates for their interests, and their health and nutrition through Food for Thought, Caring and Sharing of South Walton, Children in Crisis, Children’s Advocacy Center, NWF Guardian ad Litem, and so many more. Every quarter we fund another $10,000+, and awarded organizations return soon after to share with us the real impact the gift made in people’s lives.
What are your future goals?
In the next three years, we want to grow to 200 members and reach $500,000 in total giving. That kind of impact would allow us to support even more transformative work right here on the Emerald Coast.
Another exciting thing on the horizon is hosting the 100 Who Care Alliance Leadership Conference in April of 2027. This is the global alliance of giving circles like ours, and it’s a real honor they’ve selected Sandestin for their 2027 conference, so we’ll have a big role in welcoming leaders from all over our country to the Emerald Coast.
What’s the biggest challenge you face and how are you beating it?
The needs in our community are so great, and we want to fulfill more and more of those needs. Attaining that 200-man membership roster is a big and important objective — helping us to improve more lives in our community. But the great news is that we know there are many more men in our community who would like to help, and joining and participating is incredibly easy. In fact, while we love members to attend meetings, there is no obligation to do so. The only real commitment is the quarterly $100 gift, which can even be automated. The meetings are educational, uplifting, and offer real fellowship. It’s truly the simplest, most effective way a busy man can make a difference here, where
we live.
What events do you host, and are they open to the public?
As mentioned earlier, we meet four times a year (February, May, September, November) at great local spots, where we listen to the needs of local nonprofits (three each quarter). We encourage all to come out and find out more. Our next meeting — and our 5-year anniversary celebration — is on Monday, September 21 at 3rd Planet Brewery in Niceville. Social time starts at 5:30 pm — the meeting at 6:00 pm sharp — and we’re done by 7:30 pm. There’s no pressure — just come see what we’re about.
What’s the best part of being involved?
The brotherhood. There’s something powerful about men in our community stepping up together to help our neighbors who need us. These are selfless men who think about doing good for people they likely will never meet; but they contribute knowing they are aiding the health and welfare of their neighbors.
How can someone get involved?
If you’re a man who cares about our community and you want to make a tangible difference, we’d love to have you. No pressure, no hard sell — we invite you to learn more about us at our website or just reach out by text or call.
Website: 100mwcec.com
Facebook: 100 Men Who Care Emerald Coast
Call or text Scott: 319-325-1025
Email: [email protected]
We welcome men of all ages and backgrounds. If you believe in giving back right here where we live, this is a great place to start.
And, a quick shout out to our 100 Women Who Care – Emerald Coast who are doing great work as well – if you are a woman who cares please seek them out on Facebook.
