Holly Woods | Inspiring Hope: Empowering Positive Change in Our Community
Holly Woods’ journey into community service began with the Spinden Project, a remarkable endeavor aimed at remodeling the home of Heather Spinden and her son, Ben. Holly and her husband, Josh Ross, rallied countless volunteers and over 50 local businesses, each generously contributing materials, labor, or funding to transform the Spinden residence. This collaborative effort not only improved living conditions for the Spinden family but also set the stage for Holly’s subsequent ventures into community-driven projects.
Following the success of the Spinden Project, Holly was approached with a question that would soon change the look of fundraising in Eastern Oregon: “What’s your next project?” In response, Holly founded the 100+ Women Who Care Eastern Oregon initiative after seeing a similar group housed in Walla Walla. This groundbreaking movement sees 100 women from the community coming together, each contributing $100, forming a $10,000 fund to support local nonprofits.
The premise of 100+ Women Who Care Eastern Oregon is simple yet powerful. Holly, along with the organizing committee, invites three local nonprofits to present their initiatives at a gathering of the contributing women. After the presentations, the women collectively vote on which organization will receive the $10,000 donation. The impact of this initiative is twofold, as it not only provides financial support to deserving nonprofits but also strengthens the community bonds among the women involved.
Holly’s endeavors have had a profound ripple effect on the Hermiston community. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and giving, she has inspired businesses, individuals, and families to be actively involved in philanthropy and volunteerism. The 100+ Women Who Care Eastern Oregon initiative, in particular, has become an example of the transformative power that a collective effort can have on local causes.
The first event, held in Dec. 2022, awarded funds to Made to Thrive, a local nonprofit aimed at supporting youth in the region with opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities. The second event, held earlier this year, supported Stepping Stones Alliance, an organization investing in infrastructure to support homeless in our community. The latest event, held in late October at Echo Ridge Cellars, awarded funds to PAWS, Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter, supporting their mission of supporting at-risk animals in the area and operating a no-kill pet shelter.Holly, reflecting on her journey, shares, “My hope has always been to inspire others in everything that I do. I hope that maybe it impacts other people in our community and the younger generations.”
In addition to these community engagements, Holly also serves on the Board of Directors for the Farm City Pro Rodeo and Hermiston Chamber of Commerce.
Local community members also express their gratitude for these community initiatives. “It is nice to see that glimpse of hope and that people still have that generosity and thoughtfulness to help others,” says Danielle McAtee, a volunteer that helped with the Spinden Project.
Holly’s projects have shown us the strength we possess when we come together. “It’s not just about the financial support; it’s about building a community that cares for one another,” says a participant in the 100+ Women Who Care Eastern Oregon. Holly Woods, through the Spinden Project and the creation of 100+ Women Who Care Eastern Oregon, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration in eastern Oregon. Her ability to mobilize a community for greater good showcases the positive change that can occur when individuals unite with a shared purpose. As Holly continues to inspire others to give back and make a difference, her legacy becomes woven into the very fabric of Eastern Oregon’s spirit, solidifying this region as a wonderful place to live and raise families.
For more information about 100+ Women Who Care and ways to get involved, visit https://www.100easternoregon.com/.
View our video feature of Holly's community engagement here.