The Ellsworth Power of 100 group awarded the Ellsworth E3 Community Development Corporation the $10,000 2025 Fall Impact Award Oct. 9 with its closest vote yet between the three competing organizations.

The money will be used to fund Ellsworth Community School District service projects for the next 2-3 years in the Empower Ellsworth program, according to E3 board member Anne Pechacek, who is also the volunteer coordinator and a social studies teacher at Ellsworth High School.

“These projects are created by students and focus on things directly here in our community,” Pechacek said. “Students are able to work on a passion project without having to fundraise for supplies for the endeavor.  The program requires students to create a plan and present it to a board, so they also get great life experiences in how to take an idea and put it into action. They have to brainstorm, network and problem shoot in order to get their idea into something tangible.”

Since the inception of Empower Ellsworth a few years ago, students have completed a wide variety of projects, including building a kiosk at the trailhead of Cairns Woods in Ellsworth, running camps and activities for younger students, creating and stocking a free closet at EMS/ EHS for student needs (hygiene, clothing), and making murals in the East Ellsworth Mural Walk. 

“This coming year, funds will be used to help put on the Second Annual ECSD Hall of Fame Induction, which is a service project that was started last year,” Pechacek said. “Some projects have an even larger footprint. Last year at EHS, students did lesson plans on the Ukraine War and presented to middle school students. Through their project, donations of school supplies were later sent to an elementary school in war-torn Ukraine and EMS students could see how their actions impact others in the greater world.”

This year the Empower Ellsworth application cycle will open in November, with projects presented before the board and chosen in March. Funds will be disbursed the following year as projects are completed.

“The Ellsworth E3's mission is to Envision, Empower and Engage residents of our community,” said Pechacek. “This project really hits each of these mission points. Students work with community members and really are encouraged to see how they can make a difference in their community by creating goals and focusing on issues they want to have an impact on here in our area. It is an amazing feeling to know that these are skills and abilities that they will take with them as adults.”

Kaydi Sobottka, Power of 100 Ellsworth core team member, said the members’ vote this year was nearly a three-way tie between Ellsworth E3, Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and the Ellsworth Cheerleading Booster Club.

“Clearly, all three applicants are doing wonderful work in the Ellsworth community and worthy of support,” Sobottka said. “The vibe in the room was intimate, energetic, connected, with a wide range of emotions from laughter to tears and many goose bumps.”

Since the inception of Power of 100 – Ellsworth, the group has awarded over $104,954 to local organizations, said founding member Melissa Ryden.

“This figure doesn’t even include the additional dollars matched by employers—making the impact even greater,” Ryden said. “In just three years, our collective efforts have made a meaningful difference, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.”

The Ellsworth E3 is a local nonprofit focused on making life better in the greater Ellsworth area. E3 helps turn community ideas into real projects by connecting people with funding, volunteers, and other resources to meet local needs now and in the future, said Ryden. E3 has supported projects like Ellsworth Trails (Cairn’s Woods), Elsie’s Barnyard, the East End ArtWalk Murals, and the Pierce County Dog Park.

“One of the most inspiring efforts is Empower Ellsworth—a student-led grant program open to all students in the Ellsworth Community School District. Funded entirely by donations, it gives students a chance to design and pitch their own community improvement ideas and earn grants to bring them to life. It’s a powerful way for young people to give back to their community while learning the true spirit of philanthropy,” Ryden said.

The ADRC of Pierce County helps older adults and people with disabilities stay connected, independent, and living life with dignity. Through free programs and resources, the ADRC gives people the tools and support they need to make good choices and stay active in their communities, Ryden said.

“ADRC has been working to reduce social isolation in Ellsworth and nearby areas. That’s meant hosting community dinners, offering art and fitness programs, providing caregiver support, and even helping with transportation—all focused on bringing people together and creating a stronger sense of belonging,” she added.

In Ellsworth, school spirit is alive and growing thanks to the Ellsworth Cheerleading Booster Club—a nonprofit dedicated to giving every young athlete the chance to belong, grow, and shine. The club’s mission is simple: make cheerleading affordable, inclusive, and empowering. By keeping costs low and focusing on teamwork, leadership, and confidence, the Booster Club ensures every child can experience the excitement and connection of being part of a team.

“When we opened registration, we filled 64 spots in just three days,” organizers shared. “It showed how much our community needed this.”

Since then, participation has surged—with more than 100 elementary cheerleaders and new middle school squads performing at games and community events.

The program’s impact extends beyond the sidelines. Cheerleaders bring energy and pride to school events, volunteer locally, and serve as positive role models. For many, cheer is more than a sport—it’s a place to build friendships, confidence, and lifelong skills.

“Our goal is to lift each other up—on and off the field,” said a club representative. “Cheer is about belonging, teamwork, and community pride. Every smile, every routine, and every cheer helps bring Ellsworth closer together.”

Like Sobottka, Ryden said each year brings surprises when planning for Power of 100 Ellsworth. This year’s meeting moved from The Bluffs Bar & Grill to Ridgetop. The more intimate setting created a relaxed atmosphere.

“The Bluffs Bar & Grill has been an outstanding host for us in past years, and we are so grateful for the many wonderful experiences they’ve provided,” Ryden said. “We truly appreciate all that Danielle has done to make our previous gatherings seamless and successful.
“This year, we were thrilled to hold our event at Ridgetop, and once again, Amy and her incredible staff delivered an exceptional experience. From the warm hospitality to the attentive service, every detail was handled beautifully. The guest feedback was overwhelmingly positive—Amy and her team truly knocked it out of the park.”
Ryden also thanked Colleen Raye for providing her sound system.
Starting a Power of 100 group in Ellsworth was a bucket list item for Ryden.

“From the very beginning, I believed in the heart of this community. I remember someone asking early on if we’d ever find 100 like-minded people who wanted to be part of something like this,” she recalled. “But having grown up here, I knew we’d have no trouble finding caring, passionate people ready to lift others up. And here we are—proof of that incredible spirit.

“This group of strong, generous women continues to give me goosebumps. Their compassion, talent, and unwavering dedication to making a difference remind me every day that Ellsworth truly is a community with a heart.”

If you’re interested in being part of Power of 100 Ellsworth, you’re invited to add your name to the waitlist at https://www.powerof100ellsworth.org/ The next impact meeting will be held April 9, 2026.

To donate to the E3 Community Development Corporation, you can drop off a check/cash at CCF Bank (218 N. Broadway St.) or mail to PO Box 903, Ellsworth WI 54011. If you want the money allocated directly to the Empower Ellsworth project, indicate that on your donation. The group is a 501c3 so your donation would be tax deductible.