KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A local chapter of the worldwide organization, "100 Women Who Care," gathers every quarter to raise money for nonprofits.
The Knoxville chapter was created in 2016. According to one leader, they've given away more than $410,000 in donations since then.
"If we join together and give as a group, we can raise more money and make a bigger impact to a nonprofit," member Brooke Thurman said. "We get 100 women to give $100 each. We meet once a quarter. And then the goal is to raise $10,000 or more towards one of the nonprofits that's going to present to that group."
During the last meeting, the group heard pitches from three nonprofits: Peer Academy, Magnolia Ministries and Focus Ministries.
Magnolia Ministries was selected as the nonprofit of choice and was given a $7,700 donation. The local nonprofit works with women facing homelessness, addiction and prostitution.
The nonprofit said the money will help them expand their three main services of a health clinic, nighttime outreach and serving hot meals to those in need.
"We want to empower women to see a greater future," Magnolia Ministries Executive Director Katie Boggs said. "We want them to be able to believe in themselves and see a path forward ahead that maybe they haven't been able to envision in their current circumstance."
"100 Women Who Care" is open to women of all ages and backgrounds. They encourage anyone to reach out and give back to local nonprofits when possible.
The group will meet next in Jan. 2025.