((L-R) Assistance League of Bend, Q1 2019 and Treehouse Therapies Q4 2018 | Photos by Kimberly Teichrow and Grandma’s House, Q2 2020 | Photo by Kristin Betschart)
The all-volunteer organization of 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon (100+WWCCO), has raised nearly $600,000 for area charities since 2014. An astounding accomplishment. Especially due to the pandemic. The need for services has increased, while donations and volunteerism has decreased.
The concept behind the group is straightforward: four times a year, women gather for one hour to collectively write a check for $100 on the spot to a member-elected nonprofit. Prior to that, the group randomly selects three charities from nominations generated by members. Each representative has five minutes to tell their story to the group of women and why her nonprofit should receive the funds. The presenter also receives five minutes to answer any questions from the audience.
That was pre-pandemic, and now with COVID restrictions, the meetings are virtual with the pitches presented via video. At their leisure, members watch the videos submitted by the three nonprofits which were randomly drawn by the guiding committee from nominations generated by members. Women make their decision with their wallet, donating $100 to one or more of the organizations.
“We’ve had to adapt to COVID and the hurdles it presents,” says Kristin Betschart, co-leader of the group. “Who knew the pandemic would have such a lasting impact? Yet, the generous ladies in our membership have stepped up in a big by continuing to care and support the organizations who need it most.”
Nonprofits with various missions that have benefitted from 100+WWCCO include Family Kitchen, C.O. Veterans Ranch, DAWN’S House, Community Shower Truck, Heart of Oregon Corps, Boys and Girls Club of Bend, Volunteers in Medicine, Cascade Theatrical Company, The Shield, Camp Tamarack, Beulah’s Place, Healing Reins, the Family Access Network and more.
“We are bringing the Central Oregon community together,” said Linda Orcelletto, co-leader for the organization. “It’s a fantastic way for women new to Central Oregon to learn more about the needs of their communities.
Funds have been used to purchase vehicles and equipment, increase volunteer training, provide mental health counseling for clients, provide shelter for women who have been trafficked for sex, increase existing services and more.
“We are very grateful for the generous gift from 100+ Women Who Care to help purchase a commercial walk-in freezer for our new homeless shelter in Redmond,” said Gwenn Wysling, executive director for Bethlehem Inn and funding recipient in the second quarter of 2021. “Their support demonstrates the importance and value of the Inn’s services to our entire community.”
The first 100WWC chapter was started in November of 2006 by Karen Dunigan, from Jackson, Michigan. In only 15 years, 100WWC has grown to include more than 500 chapters in the U.S. and around the globe. The Central Oregon group was one of the first chapters in Pacific Northwest and was formed by Lisa Shropshire and Lisa Connors. Today’s guiding committee includes Christi Haynes, Cindy Merrill, Alice Sole, Lisa Shropshire, Linda Orcelletto and Kristin Betschart.
