A UNIQUE NEW philanthropic group with a straightforwardly simple fundraising approach has successfully logged its first big event.

Houston's new chapter of Impact100 had a goal to find 100 women to join and pledge $1,000 each. Instead, the group landed 188 members, exceeding all expectations.

At an awards celebration earlier this month, it divvied up the $188,000 total between four local charities. Angela's House, which provide rehabilitative services and trauma relief for formerly incarcerated women to looking to make a new start, won the largest grant of $100,000. Three other groups — the SPARK school park program, the Chinquapin School for exceptional students in underserved communities, Theatre Under the Stars and Kids' Meals — split the remaining $88,000 four ways.

"I know I speak for the entire membership when I say, we are so honored to be able to bestow these funds to such incredible organizations in the Houston area," said Jessica Graham, president of Impact100 Houston, in a statement. "Our members are passionate about giving back, and what an inspiration it has been to be a part of such a successful fundraising effort with this powerful group of women."

Amy Nichols, Alexandra Inman, Veta Byrd-Perez

Carol Dubose, Flor Dimassi

Katie Grahmann and Valerie Ly

Kristin Lenoir, Allison Young

Eileen Edmonds, Melissa Jurik, Christine Stevens, Hilary Hart

Laura Hipps, Dr. Dorothy Scrutchin, Dr. Mia Johnson

Semmes Burns, Jayne Johnston, Megan Hotze