New "100+ Men Who Care: Driftless Chapter" seeks to support area worthy causes

(Left to right) 100+ Men Who Care: Driftless Chapter members Barrett Gipp and Mark Jensen, NEI Food Bank representative Mike Knipp and 100+ Men Who Care: Driftless Chapter member Carson Eggland

A new organization in Decorah is based on a simple concept.  "100+ Men Who Care" will bring men together four times a year to discuss causes and organizations of local interest.  They will then vote and donate to the selected cause at the end of the meeting.

The organization was founded in Michigan in 2006, when a group of men gathered to try in one day to raise $10,000 to buy cribs for newborn babies.  They raised $12,800.

The 100+ Men Who Care: Driftless Chapter raised $3,300 at its first meeting last month from 33 men who attended.  From three worthy area causes, they selected the Backpack Program.  Their donation now will provide for around 1,000 backpacks of non-perishable food for hungry kids in Winneshiek, Allamakee and Howard Counties.

The group is planning to meet again on Tuesday, February 7th from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Rubaiyat.  A representative from the Northeast Iowa Food Bank will be present to share the impact of the group's donation.

If you are interested in attending the meeting and joining the group, e-mail 100driftless@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/100Driftless.