September 1, 2011, Project 100: joseph s., lincoln park

My name is Joe and last Fri I was at Lincoln Park Days..(its a local carnival for the city) and I was a little bummed out because my unemployment money didn't come in correctly and I couldn't really do to much for the weekend ... broke ppl usually can't...lol....anyways, two ppl walking down Gregory St stopped me and offered me $100... of course I thought it was a joke or there was some kind of catch...but they informed me otherwise. They asked me just to spend it and tell my story. Well, my girlfriend, two days pryor, got ripped off by one of her so called friends. She stole a hundred bucks from her... my girlfriend is one of the sweetest ppl on the planet....well anywho....I took her to get some food that Friday...the bill was 12$..it was just a Coney Island, and I tipped 8$...then I put oil and gas in her car because she was going to see her father in Flushing, Mi.... 7$ in gas...it filled her tank and 13$ in oil....(its a 91 Ford festiva ... leaking roughly 2 quarts daily:(...) and earlier when I was at the festival my buddy John Joe lost a $20 and was bummed out that he couldn't go golfing that he had planned for the evening... so me and him hit 9 holes at wyandotte shores that night...30$ I paid for the both of us... then I ran into a garage sale sausage stuff that my mom needed...27$..... when I took the stuff to my mother... and told her what happened and how I got 100 dollars, she ended up loaning me 160 dollars till I got my unemployment this Tuesday.... any which way you look at it those nice people and Gregory Street turned my weekend around and everybody else that was in my path...:).... in 2006 I lost my job when farmer jack went down... and 2009 I became a carpenter apprentice...luckily .... there's not much work in michigan but at least it's something... I work 3 to 7 months a year, and unemployment helps me make ends meet....... I was pretty down and out from 2006 to 2009 living all over the place and drinking way too much. I'm not sure how I would spend that money back then.... probably would've been in the wrong way..... either way.... what you guys are doing is great, and I hope that 100 dollars that you give away ends up in the right hands:)... thank you very much and god bless......Joe Soltesz

July 16, 2011, Project 100: Sabine K., Southgate, MI

I am very grateful to Project 100, even more when I heard that it was created by my bank Co-op Services Credit Union.
I was on my way to the Wyandotte Street fair on July 15th, 2001 when I was approached by Brian. I was overwhelmed, especially that I had decided that morning to declare it a "Day of Gratitude". When I came home with this blessing, I put the gift on our little family altar.
My first thoughts went to Gleaner's food bank and the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry, since I was thinking of people who have much more severe circumstances than us. Also my thoughts went to Cooper Stone, the little boy in Texas who lost his Dad at a ball game they attended together. I wish I could be his Auntie and my family his extended family.
I have to admit that this morning after leaving the money on the altar throughout the night, I felt that my 3 family members each deserve $25. My husband had been overcharged by the car insurance who withdrew almost $600 from his account. My budget for the household had to help out to pay for necessary expenses. Our eldest son has been accepted at Michigan State. The part-time job at the airport is helpful, but he is always in need of cash. And the youngest son who will graduate from high school next year could not get a job this summer. He needs new clothes.
Dear Co-op Services Credit Union, not only do you strive to give excellent customer service, but you are also a leader in the community showing that the act of giving is a base for prosperity and well-being. Mrs Patti Johnson who is the Manager of our Branch is very helpful and I am always convinced that I can count on her advice. I am very proud to be a member, because I am not treated as a statistic, but a human being!
Heartfelt congratulation for creating this wonderful project!
May all your members and staff be extremely prosperous for the remaining 2011 and the future ahead! Sabine E.Kouassi

May 24, 2011, Project 100: chrystal o., rialto

Why don't we take all leftover food from resturants and fast food and have a truck pick it up and donate it to the homeless instead of trashing it.

January 17, 2011, Project 100: Donna K., Westland

On behalf of the residents we serviced with our “No Child Without a Christmas” program, the Westland Goodfellows would like to thank Project 100 and Co-op Services Credit Union for their generous donation. In early November 2010, I asked Katelyn Persh who we should contact about placing a toy and food collection box at Co-op’s Westland Branch. She made some inquiries and referred me to Bryan Feldpausch. He had spoken with Katelyn about our organization, and while Co-op already partners with another great charity with collection boxes, Bryan had another idea and promised to get back to me soon. True to his word, he contacted me less than a week later, told me about Project 100 and the employee Casual Day fund and then offered the Westland Goodfellows a $710.00 donation. It was amazing! We were merely hoping to collect some toy and food items and instead, we received funds that assisted us in putting smiles on the faces of 929 children from 424 Westland families on Christmas morning. THANK YOU so much Project 100 and Co-Op Services Credit Union employees!!! Your project is an inspiration and your employees are truly Christmas angels!!!

December 7, 2010, Project 100: M ., Trenton

I was in the process of switching banks and found that the credit union was giving away $100 to open an account. This could be given away or kept. At first I felt that I could use half of the donation because I have financial aid loans and it would be helpful to go toward a loan payment. The other half was going to St. Jude the charity of my choice! Then a family I am very close to found out they were in a financial struggle. They were facing home forfeiture. I knew that even though it was only $100 it still will help. I decided to write a check to the family in the amount of $100 they day it was deposited into my account, to help. This is a start to saving their house and I have decided to help out as much as I can with this family until they arent at a struggle anymore!

November 12, 2010, Project 100: Stephanie G., Dearborn

Today I waited on three of the people who are a part of Project 100 @ my work Holiday Grill Coney Island. I gave them the same service I give all my customers. As they were getting ready to leave they surprised me as one of the recipients of $100!!! I could barely hold back my tears because it couldn't have come at a better time. My boyfriend lost his job and we are struggling to pay our bills. This was a blessing from God, he knows I do everything I can to get by. I just want to thank the people of Project 100 again because I can't say it enough. These are some amazing people who find happiness in doing for others. I know the feeling you get for giving. If you ask anyone I know, I am a very giving person. I'm going to spread the word to everyone I know about project 100!!!! Thank u again and God bless.

November 12, 2010, Project 100: Erin J., Dearborn Heights

I would like to thank Project 100 for making my day. When thay came to my door I thought it was a joke. When I found out it wasn't I still couldn't believe it. What an amazing thing to do.THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!:)

November 8, 2010, Project 100: Claire L., Canton

As a member of the Project 100 team I went out on my first give away last Friday. It was truly an inspiring day! We traveled through Redford stopping at houses from our ‘Suggest Someone’ portion of our website. These people were not aware that they were suggested by someone to be a recipant for $100, and many of them were shocked to see us! Everyone was so inspired and excited to share with us what they already do in the community and what they plan to do.

After we finished the ‘suggest someone’ houses we did a few random give aways in Livonia to some unsuspecting people. My favorite give away for the day was the very last giveaway we did. It was a woman and her child walking through a parking lot when we selected them. When we told her that we were trying to spark change in the community she had tears in her eyes. She explained to her daughter what we were doing and told us how beautiful Project 100 is.

It was so amazing to see how happy these people were, to see how far $100 can go. The recipients on Friday promised to do great things in the community and hopfully spark change.

Claire
Project 100

November 4, 2010, Project 100: Alfreda S., Benton Harbor

On August 21,2010 I hosted the first Annual Kids Day in Benton Harbor, Mi. I served 300 children Hot Dogs and Lemonade, had face painting activites, 30 boys received free hair cuts,and the girls received hair accessories.
I live in a community of broken dreams. Giving back felt good. There were others that did not understand why I spent my savings on the community. The smile on a childs face brightens the community. I'm proud to say I gave back.

Currently I'm struggling to raise funds for the next event" Winter in Wonderland" I'm giving away 4 laptop computers and a gift to every child that attends on 12/18/2010 at the Boys&Girls Club in Benton Harbor. Please assist me in my effort, to give back to the community.

Thank You
Mrs. Alfreda Steward

October 7, 2010, Project 100: Botsford Commons Senior Community ., Farmington Hills

Botsford Commons Senior Community was given $100.00 from Project 100 to help us make 200 blankets and pillows to give to the Queens for a Day/Heroes on Make a Difference Day, Saturday, October 23. Project 100 is helping us pay it forward. Thank you!!

October 5, 2010, Project 100: Jen L., Brownstown, MI

What a blessing!! I was just out shopping in the mall, and was approached by the Project 100 guys with a $100 bill!! I thought it was too good to be true, but it wasn't, it was for real! Thanks so much, guys and God bless! I will definitely continue doing my part to help the community! :)

September 29, 2010, Project 100: Stacie P., Redford

Just wanted to say thanks again to Project 100 for making my day last week. I was at the mall when I was approached by three very friendly people one of which was named Jeremy. I have decided to put the money toward my son Jeremy's Boy Scouts of America fundraising in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the BSA. I plan to buy a bunch of cookie dough and distribute it between family and friends. I hope it encourages everyone to go out and make a difference as well.

September 25, 2010, Project 100: Janelle P., Pinckney

I am a lucky recipient! I was at Meijer pumping gas when I was approached. I think this is a great way to get people's attention, who doesn't want $100? I have decided to keep half and donate the other $50 to the locale humane society. Animals are victims as well in this tough economic time. Thank you Project100!

December 9, 2009, Project 100: Kate S., Livonia

As the 100th recipient of Project 100, I was very shocked when I opened my door and found about a dozen people standing in my front yard with t.v. cameras, balloons, a huge sign, and a $100 for me!! Because I was the 100th, I also received an extra $100 Meijer gift card and a bag filled with goodies. I have been out of work most of the year, and just days after winning, was laid off from the part-time job that I had for only six weeks. Project 100 came at a great time, just before the holidays. As a way to give back to the community, my daughter is going to have a Charity Christmas party that will benefit 3-4 different charities. I'm very proud of her and hope that I have instilled in my children the importance of giving to others. Thanks again to Project 100 and Co-Op Services Credit Union, for your generosity in giving to others and creating a chain reaction. May God bless you abundantly for your good work! Sincerely, Kate

November 16, 2009, Project 100: Denise F., Romulus

I had just been inside my mother's house in Southgate and was feeling distressed at my father being ill at the VA Home in Grand Rapids. I had just spoken to him on the phone. To work out my distress, I decided to pull weeds for my mother. As I set to work, a car pulled up and three individuals got out. They presented me with a hundred dollars. I was so happy and excited that I started to cry. They say that if you give to another in need it will come back to you 1000 fold. Well, as bizarre as it may seem, it came back to me.
I had helped a family that my son and his girlfriend had found living in a park. They had nowhere to go and no food. We contacted some churches and one of them brought food and clothing. The woman found a circumstance where she could help an elderly gentleman in the area and her children and she are staying with him now. The man went to live at his mother's. He was not the children's father, but wouldn't leave them until they were in a safe place. The family was with me for a weekend.
In this time of economic hardship, there is no doubt that many people could use an extra hundred dollars. My own circumstances are very tight. To say the least, I am very grateful to have been given the money. It allowed me to repay others who have helped me. Praise God from whom all good things flow!

November 14, 2009, Project 100: Diane W., Livonia

What a lovely surprise to find the Project 100 people at my front door! I remembered signing up for this months ago after reading about it in the newspaper. What had I thought about doing with a hundred dollars if I received it??? Initial thought was of "coffee". Yep, coffee. Often in the past, especially during the winter months the request would come through our parish for donations of coffee for the community center out reach program for the homeless at St. Aloysius in Detroit. Happily I found a great sale the next day on coffee and spent the money. Thank you to Project 100 for allowing me made this donation. It's a good feeling.

November 5, 2009, Project 100: Diane C., Wyandotte

So...here I am walking my dog down Biddle, and right in front of "The Willow Tree", two young people stop and hand me a "Project 100" flyer, a free T-shirt and a bunch of "business cards"! Okay...now what do I do? I open the flyer and here is a $100.00 bill which has just been GIVEN TO ME! Now...who goes around handing people $100.00 with no strings attached?? Evidently, PROJECT 100 DOES! I was so excited to be able to forward that gift to a very worthy cause -- W.A.G. (Wyandotte Animal Group). My daughter is a Vet. Tech for Gibraltar Animal Hospital, and we currently have 1 dog and 3 cats from different shelters/hospitals in the area. I have been so blessed to be given this gift to help our furry four-legged friends from abuse, mistreatment, malnourishment, abandonment, etc.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL AT PROJECT 100!! You're doing a GREAT THING!

November 5, 2009, Project 100: Freddie H., Wyandotte

I was up at Bishop Park fishing off the pier. Fortunately for the fish I'm not the greatest fisherman, although I did manage to pull in one Perch! What started off as a relaxing day fishing, turned into what is about to be an interesting twist of fate and seemingly more important ordinary day with my family! My Fiancé calls to remind me of other things I should be doing, well turns out my daughter needs shoes to go with her Gothic Vampire costume! Yep she has a dance at her school at 6:00pm, now going on 3:00pm! "I don't have any money, she'll have to wear what she has", those were the last words before I said Sorry, I love you and we hung up! Now starring at the water, I felt horrible, empty, like I'm tumbling down that Rabbit hole just like Alice. There's nothing I can do, being laid off from U.S. Steel I find myself joining the ranks of Unemployment probably like many of you reading this, yep, times are hard, at times what seems impossible. Suddenly two total strangers approach me on the pier as I was starring off into oblivion; dwelling, perhaps pondering a solution! They introduced themselves whom I will call Jon and Jane Doe because sorry, " I forget their names", but fortunately what they stand for and their cause is what's important! They also told me they are with an organization called "Project 100"! "Red Flag right", you all know how it goes, sign here or my favorite, donations are appreciated! Well this time it was the opposite, they handed me a card with a hundred dollar bill in it, honest to god truth! I almost felt guilty taking it to be honest, and then I remembered my situation. I'm laid off my kid needs shoes for the Halloween dance in a few hours and I don't get unemployment until next week! Needless to say I graciously accepted the 100 dollars from Jane and Jon who represent what I can only call the organization of miracles! Before I took the cash I asked them what's the catch? Jon then says "there is no catch, just remember others are in need as well, so whenever possible try to pay it forward and give a little back to the community, because every little bit counts"! Well Jon, Jane and Project 100, I can think of a hundred ways to give back and the first one will be in your honor! Thank you Project 100 and the 2 persons who seen that empty look on my face! If you watch the water with an open mind sooner or later it will calm and what reflects is much clearer! This will always be a great fishing story! Your friend Fred Haas

November 2, 2009, Project 100: Terry G., Taylor

Hello Co-op Services,

Thank you for making a difference! I began living instead of existing when I helped ''someone else'' touch the rainbow.

Many Blessings,
Terry Grahl
Founder and President
Enchanted Makeovers
www.EnchantedMakeovers.org

October 26, 2009, Project 100: Cheryl M., Wyandotte

Wow, I was just out walking with my granddaughter and my dog when Jeremy and Adriane drove up and handed me $100-no questions asked. I am always the one giving to others, it was nice to get something this time. I am a breast cancer survivor and that is my charity of choice. I will continue to give to them as often as I can.

October 23, 2009, Project 100: Dave S., West Bloomfield

I was getting ready to go and see my brother-in-law who was the victim of a shooting in Detroit. I was outside trimming up my beard when Project 100 pulled up in my driveway. Thank you very much for the $100.00 I will be sure to try as hard as I can to pay it foward. -Dave S.

October 22, 2009, Project 100: Anne Marie G., Southfield

I am not a Project 100 recipient but I happen to live across the street from a recipient in Southfield. I was outside enjoying the evening, when all of a sudden a vehicle pulled up in-front of my house with Project 100 signs. I thought to myself, I better get inside because we get too many solicitors coming around in our neighborhood. As they walked across the street to my neighbors house, I checked out the signs more closely and noticed that it said $100 dollars. I thought to myself, what is this a prize patrol. As I was thinking that, I could hear my neighbor saying. NO WAY! I couldn't believe it, they were people out there actually giving out $100 dollars. After further examining the website, this is a beautiful thing and I am so glad to have seen you guys in action. My neighbor told me she had no idea who you guys were and was blessed to have gotten $100 dollars.

October 22, 2009, Project 100: Joy A., Farmington Hills

I wasn't home when you arrived to give me my $100, but my husband was. He had no idea what it was all about. When I got home, he opened the door holding my t-shirt and $100 and business cards. He asked if this was something I did online. I said yes. I am planning on giving $50 to The Detroit College Promise charity (see www.DetroitCollegePromise.org), and am not sure about the other $50. Something to stimulate the local economy perhaps?

October 12, 2009, Project 100: Peggy A., Madison Heights

I could'nt believe when they showed up at my door today. I forgot I even submitted my entry. What a surprise. Thank you again.

September 29, 2009, Project 100: Fred R., Dearborn

I was in Melvindale helping my church when a man walked up to me and gave me $100.00. I asked what the catch was, He said no stings attached. I thank Jesus for Project 100 because I'am layed-off and $100.00 was right on time. God Bless!

September 29, 2009, Project 100: Jon M., Commerce twp.

I was working on a house that I am getting ready to sell, and 3 people walked up to me and asked for me by my name and said "you're who were looking for" and they handed me $100.00. I am thankful because I am laid off and that was a true miracle. Thank you.

September 24, 2009, Project 100: Wanda L., Dearborn

I had surgery on my back and became completely disabled and since I couldnt work I lost my house. My son was holding a moving sale when someone came in asking for me...They gave him $100.00 to give to me. I had a hard time receiving this as I am a giver. My first thought was who should I give this to? My son told me there is a time to give and a time to receive. He told me to let God bless me. But, there are so many that are in need and I only hope that I will bless them as I have been blessed. Thank you for giving me hope that the world isn't completely messed up, but that there are still good people left.

September 8, 2009, Project 100: Debra C., Roseville

All my returnable bottles and cans are put in a huge garbage bag and given to homeless people that I pass by each morning on my way to work.

One time I gave someone a $20 bill.
Boy did I feel good doing these things!

September 4, 2009, Project 100: stacia w., a

I would love to become apart of this project and make a difference in someone's life.

September 4, 2009, Project 100: Ashley T., Clawson

A friend of my mom's came over to give me a birthday card, which was yesterday August 20th. We were talking about high school and the beginning of school.
My mom saw some people come up to the front door and opened it. In came two people from project 100 and presented me with a birthday cake and a little gift bag. I opened the card, took a look at the t-shirt and finally they said "keep looking in the bag". I kept looking and I unwrapped an IPOD. I always wanted one but thought I would not get one.
I was shocked that someone I didn't know would present me with such nice things.
Last night I promptly put music on my ipod.
I'm getting ready to volunteer for the weekend. I'm helping out at the Selfridge Air Show this weekend. It will be great to see all the airplanes.

September 1, 2009, Project 100: Andres R., Southgate

I was about to go home and got stopped by project 100. You guys are great. The $100 is going to help me out a lot.

September 1, 2009, Project 100: Cameron C., Livonia

I was working on my son's pick up truck and the Project 100 people pulled up and gave me $100 it was the coolest thing ever! Hard to believe some complete strange would just come up to me and give me a $100 bill...come back soon!!!

August 30, 2009, Project 100: Marla V., Romulus

My mom's friend came and gave me the card to visit the website and I was instantly attracted. It's such a great cause.

August 30, 2009, Project 100: Melissa R., Livonia

My daughter and I had just arrived at the rotary park in Livonia to play when we were walking with a group of people to the play equipment. They asked if they could have a moment of my time. They told me all about the wonderful, non-profit Project 100, while they played with my daughter and I. While we watched my daughter on the slide, they casually said here's a hundred dollars. It took me a few minutes to realize that they were for real and I really did have a hundred dollars. I thought how cool is this! I love the fact that Project 100 is shining light to the simple act of giving. I wish I could say that I donated all the money to a charity or church but life happened and after a few days that money helped pay for groceries, prescriptions, a gift for a new baby, and a little extra into our church offering. Although this gift only lasted a few days for my family, I hope this gift can motivate others to give the gift of giving. Even small gifts of smiling at a stranger to brighten their day, holding a door or giving coupons in the grocery line. Big or small, I hope this Project can inspire the act of giving in all of us.

August 27, 2009, Project 100: donna s., walled lake

I had just arrived home from work,sitting on my porch with my dog, Baker. That's when I saw the cars with "Project 100 on the car doors. That piped my interest, because I usually say, not interested. Anyway, I broke my $100. into tens. I went to Mich. Works & handed out tens to 5 people for gas or what have you, then I went to the gas station, & handed out tens to people that I saw paying with coins or dollar bills, which I witnessed most of the winter. I considered myself very fortinate to be working, so to help out in the small way I did was very rewarding. Thank you again for the rewarding experience.

August 25, 2009, Project 100: Julie J., Southfield

I just wanted to say how great it was to meet the Project 100 team. My friend and I were out to dinner one night and in walks 4 people wearing the same t-shirt. Of course, we all wanted to know what it was about. One of the women working in the group stopped and talked to us and told us about what you were all about. She also told us to go the website to sign up. When I asked how to get involved, she told me to look at the give section for ideas. I thought that was strange until she explained that Project 100 was really about giving back to the community and the people in it. They were just jumpstarting the movement. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to talk to me and for the wonderful ideas. Congratulations on your tv appearance (we saw you later that night) I am definitely checking some of the sites that you recommend on your site. I'll let you know how it goes. Great work!

August 21, 2009, Project 100: Anton L., Wolverine Lake

I was watching the news, heard a voice outside, and then someone knocked at the door. I saw someone holding a video camera through the curtain, and thought, "oh gheesh, what kind of solicitation is this"? He asked if Anton was home, I was preparing for a doozy of a blow off I was going to have to do next. He asked if I had heard of project 100. In fact I had seen it on the news recently. Even though I had heard of them, I was in disbelief. This really couldn't have happened at a better time. I have been laid off from work since November, with no prospects of employment yet. $100 is a drop in the bucket, but every drop helps out. Thank you so much.

August 6, 2009, Project 100: Jessica S., Brighton

I was on break at work and these people walk up to me and ask would i like 100 dollars. I thought it was a joke until i saw the money. WOW! This stuff never happens to me, until now. It couldn't have happened at a better time. My family and i just moved into a new home and with every new home comes new bills. I'm now thinking of what i can do to give back. My 10yr old wants to help too. Thank you project 100!

August 2, 2009, Project 100: Shemetria S., Detroit

One day on my way back to the office from lunch, I was taken by surprise when Jeremy of Project 100 approached me with a $100.00. I could not believe I was a recipient of $100. The only requirement was to give back to the community. I did just that. I took some of the money, purchased 26 lbs. of dry and canned goods and took it to Gleaners Community Food Bank in Detroit. I felt good giving back to the community. I like to thank everyone at Project 100 for making my day and allowing me to do a good deed as well. Keep up the good work.

July 16, 2009, Project 100: Melanie R., Southgate

I was at my neighbors house across the street when I seen 3 people get out of this car that had project 100 all over it. I was assuming it was a sales person so I thought about ignoring them but instead I walked over and said "can I help you" and they said we are here to give you a $100 and I thought no way this is a scam but they reassured me that their was no strings attached. I was shocked! Who would come up to me and just give me a $100 for the heck of it? But they did and I am very thankful. Unfortunately, my sister is having a hard time financially so I gave her the money so she could buy necessities and it made me feel so good that I could help her. So now I know why project 100 is doing this. I think its great and thank you very much.