Longtime Madrona resident Paula Rothkopf is recruiting members for the 100 Women Who Care Seattle giving circle.
The first 100 Women giving circle started in Michigan 10 years ago to raise $10,000 to purchase baby cribs. They raised the funds by having each of the 100 women give $100 to raise $10,000, which was paid directly to a local charity chosen by the group. Now, there are hundreds of giving circles all over the world.
Closer to home, a giving circle in Bend, Ore., raised $14,200 for its first donation in less than an hour for the Bethlehem Inn homeless shelter.
The Seattle group’s mission is to provide for those in need in the Greater Seattle area. While it is still growing, it has already made three donations to date totaling $5,600 for local charities. This includes $2,000 to New Beginnings last June, $1,800 to the Organization for Prostitution Survivors last October and $1,800 to Homeward Pet Adoption Center in February.
The group meets three times each year to vote from its list of charities nominated by the group; its next meeting is on June 6. Online voting is an option for those who cannot attend. All the donations are tax-deductible.
See the chapter website (100womenseattle.wix.com/index) for more information.