‘100+ Women Who Care of C.O.’ off to big start
Last Wednesday night, 160 women flooded into the Oxford Hotel in downtown Bend to make history as the charter members of 100+ Women Who Care of Central Oregon. In just under an hour, the group raised $14,200 for the Bethlehem Inn, a homeless shelter in Bend.
“We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the women of Central Oregon,” says Lisa Connors, co-founder of the chapter, which is the first in Oregon. “In the week leading up to the meeting, we were hoping we’d have 100 members at the first meeting. By the time the meeting began, we had 190 members signed up, and more still joining.”
Not all 190 members were able to attend Wednesday night’s meeting. Once the checks of absent members arrive, the total donation may reach $19,000.
Based on the 100+ Women Who Care model, 100 women come together for one hour to raise $10,000 or more for a worthy cause. Each voting member nominates a charity. The group selects three charities at random, then the women elect one of those charities and each member writes a $100 check to the chosen charity.
“The Inn was thrilled to have the opportunity to share our story with such
a dynamic group of women,” says Gwenn Wysling, executive director of the Bethlehem Inn. “These funds will directly support 10 families for a month with a warm, safe place to sleep, nutritious meals and access to critical services to help them move forward with their lives.’
“When we first brought this idea to our friends, we had hopes, but we had no idea we would have such and outstanding response at our first meeting. Chapters in other parts of the country have been in place for years and still do not have 100 members,” says Lisa Shropshire, co-founder of the Central Oregon chapter. “I commend the women of Central Oregon for their generosity. Women traveled from all over the region to be at this meeting.”
Money raised by 100+ Women Who Care of Central Oregon stays local. To be eligible, a non-profit must serve Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.
100+ Women Who Care of Central Oregon meet four times a year. They meet next on December 2nd at the Oxford Hotel in downtown Bend. Registration begins at 5:30, the meeting begins at 6:30 and ends promptly at 7:30.
Learn more about our chapter on our website. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get updates on upcoming meetings and how our money is working in our community.
