Men of Steel passing out $10,000 checks for charity
SLIDELL – There are apparently a lot of men who like the idea of giving away $100 every three months.
At least, that is, when it goes to a good cause, and you get to hang out with other “good guys” in the community.
That’s what the Men of Steel organization is offering, now as one of Slidell’s newest philanthropic organizations that sprung up here following the model of other clubs that started in the parish and across the country.
It’s a simple idea, but it is becoming something quite big and helpful to worthwhile non-profit organizations. The Men of Steel is a men’s group that meets quarterly, with each member of the group donating $100 to a charity organization that they get to vote on every quarter.
After forming only five months ago, the group recently reached the max number they set for the organization when they signed up their 100th member.
That means each quarter, from every member donating $100, the group can hand a $10,000 check to a charity that the Men of Steel members vote on.
This past week at Palmetto’s in Slidell the group held their quarterly meeting where they heard from three nominated charities: the Ski-Dawgs, a local group that uses specially made water skis to allow disabled individuals a chance to really ski; Kribs for Kids, a group started by the St. Tammany Coroner’s Office that provides cribs and instruction for young parents on how to reduce the chance of infant death syndrome; and Riley’s Bikes, a local group that raises money to buy specially made bikes for handicapped kids.
After hearing from a representative from each organization, group members in attendance all voted on who they want this quarterly $10,000 check to go to. The winner was Ski-Dawgs.
“Our goal isn’t just to get the $100 from 100 men,” said Board Member Don Shea. “This is also an opportunity for 100 men to get together for a fun evening to have a drink, a great meal, and talk. It helps local businessmen network with others as well.”
The appeal of the group is very clear when noting how fast 100 men asked to be members, and Shea said that just like other organizations similar to theirs, they cap the membership at 100 and will now have a waiting list if others would like to join.
“This also supports local restaurants since we had a lot of men come out tonight for a drink and to eat,” Shea added. “This idea is really a great one and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
The Men of Steel formed in Slidell after the Steel Magnolias formed a year ago, the women’s version of the model. Both are following the lead of a Mandeville group which started over two years ago after the idea got publicity nationwide.