(Photo provided by Backpacks in Bend and 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon)
100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon recently presented Amy Fraley, co-founder of Backpacks in Bend, with a check for $26,500 to help fund the purchase of non-perishable food items for children who would otherwise go without meals over the weekend.
“This is truly an amazing gift and so unexpected,” said Fraley. “The donation will cover the majority of our food budget for the entire school year.”
Fraley founded Backpacks in Bend with her mother, Mary Bryant, in 2009 after overhearing a couple of teachers talking about spring break and how half of the kids returned to school with tans, while the other half returned to school hungry. “I wanted to do something to help and also get my kids involved,” Fraley said.
Students in 23 schools throughout the Bend La Pine District participate in the program. Once enrolled, the students receive a bag of kid-friendlyfood on a weekly basis for the length of the school year.
“We have anecdotal information about children gaining weight, improved behavior, fewer lunchroom thefts and better attendance on backpack distribution days,” Fraley said.
Each week, youth volunteers help assemble the food packs. Fraley partners withcommunity organizations in an effort to give meaningful opportunities for kids to help other kids.
Backpacks in Bend is the eighth non-profit to receive a donation from the collective support of the women who make up the 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon group. In total, 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon has raised more than $200,000, in eight one-hour meetings, in the two years since its inception.
100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon
Based on the 100 Women Who Care model, one hundred women come together for one hour quarterly to raise $10,000 or more for a worthy cause. Membership in the Central Oregon chapter has grown to more than 250 members. All money raised by 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon stays local. To be eligible a non-profit must serve Deschutes, Crook or Jefferson counties. 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon meets four times a year and new members are always welcome. Learn how you can get involved at 100wwcco.com.
