A new crowd-based charity group in Bend attracted 160 participants Sept. 24 at its inaugural giving event. The group, 100+ Women Who Care, collected more than $14,000 in donations that night for Bend homeless shelter the Bethlehem Inn.

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the women of Central Oregon,” said 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.”

The event took place at the Oxford Hotel and collected a total of $14,200. While 160 women attended, a total of 190 made commitments to donate, so the total contribution could reach $19,000, according to Connors.

The charity group is based each participant donating $100 quarterly. Each voting member nominates a local charity and one charity is chosen as the beneficiary each quarter.

100+ Women Who Care of Central Oregon meets next on Dec. 2 at the Oxford Hotel.

Contact: www.100wwcco.com.