Brand-New Women’s Group Celebrates Raising $188K for Women and Kids in Need

Alexandra Inman, Kristin Lenoir, Jessica Graham

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."