Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area recently was awarded $10,000 by 100 Women Who Give, a Waterville Area Women’s Club 2026 philanthropic event. Hospice Volunteers provides non-medical support to individuals and families during the last phases of life, and support to loved ones throughout the grieving process. It was one of three Central Maine nonprofits recognized at the 100 Women Who Give event held April 8th at Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney, Maine.
In addition to Hospice Volunteers’ $10,000 award, Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center received a $2,000 award sponsored by Kennebec Savings Bank, and Hardy Girls received a $1,000 award sponsored by Fairfield Fresh Laundromat. All three local nonprofits were invited to share their missions and raise awareness of their important work at the event.
Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area: $10,000 Recipient (100 Women)
Sarah Kilch Gaffney spoke on behalf of Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area and its services. Gaffney is a local writer, caregiver, brain injury advocate, bereavement volunteer, and treasurer of the HVWA board. Her family received hospice services when her first husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area serves 27 communities in Central Maine and exists to provide non-medical support to individuals and families during the last phases of life, to loved ones throughout the grieving process, and to educate the community regarding issues related to death and grieving. As part of its bereavement support services, HWA offers grief support groups and workshops throughout the year for both adults and children led by trained facilitators. It is volunteer based and community funded. www.hvwa.org
Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center: $2,000 recipient (Kennebec Savings Bank)
Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center was the recipient of a $2,000 award thanks to corporate sponsor Kennebec Savings Bank. Its mission is to lessen the trauma-related suffering of sexual assault and promote healing by guiding those affected by sexual violence toward survival through support, advocacy, education, and community collaboration. The Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center offers numerous programs and support groups, including a free and confidential helpline (1-800-871-7741), a Children’s Advocacy Center, and a Sexual Assault Response Team. www.silentnomore.org
Hardy Girls: $1,000 Recipient (Fairfield Fresh Laundromat)
Hardy Girls received a $1,000 award thanks to corporate sponsor Fairfield Fresh Laundromat. A Maine-based, research-driven nonprofit, Hardy Girls partners with girls and nonbinary youth to ignite curiosity, promote thinking critically, build coalitions, and challenge the status quo. Hardy Girls works with 1,200+ girls and nonbinary youth annually through year-round, statewide programs, including a Feminist Action Board of high school girls and nonbinary youth passionate about gender equity and social justice and volunteer college Muses that facilitate Coalition Groups. www.hardygirls.org
Learn more about these three Maine nonprofits and how to support their organizations and work on their individual websites.
Serving the Greater Waterville Area since 1887, Waterville Area Women’s Club and its volunteer members annually support a variety of area charities and service agencies that benefit women and children in literacy, food security, mental health, and other concerns. 2026 was the third year of its 100 Women Who Give philanthropic event. Past $10,000 winners include Camp to Belong Maine and Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence.
Waterville Area Women's Club 