SAN ANTONIO — For Mary Beth Fisk, a presentation to Impact San Antonio is about more than sharing the accomplishments of the Ecumenical Center. This is her chance to take the center to a new level.

"This evening we've petitioned with Impact San Antonio for a $100,000 gift to help us fund the Seeds of Hope Garden which will bring together nature therapy with pet therapy and bring solutions for our veterans with PTSD and the children who suffer."

The Ecumenical Center is one of 8 finalists up for a $100,000 grant from Impact SA — a group of women who also have much to be proud of," said Fisk, CEO of the Ecumenical Center.

"This is the pinnacle of everything we do," said Beverley McClure of Impact San Antonio. "This year we had the membership strength to award four $100,000 grants... Maybe I can't write a check for $100,000, but me and 99 of my closest friends, we can write a check for 100,000."

The women each contribute $1,000 a year to be members of Impact SA. This year, they've raised more than $400,000. The money all goes directly to groups that make a difference.

"You know exactly where your dollars are going to go. Exactly. It's not like it's in some big fund. My fingerprints are on that project. So we keep up with our agencies. We follow their outcomes so it's a very personal form of philanthropy," said McClure.

For Mary Beth, those personal efforts nearly brought her to tears.

"There are no shortage of needs and fewer resources so we are very grateful for the opportunity to submit for grants and support," she said. From 109 applicants, narrowed down to eight, only four will receive the $100,000 grant.

The other four will receive $12,000 each. Precious gifts, put to good use.

After members voted late Wednesday evening, the Ecumenical Center was selected as one of those $100,000 dollar grant recipients. The other three recipients are Project Mend, the Magik Theatre and the Northside Education Foundation.