By Kathryn Millhorn
Everyone knows the power of the purse; within its depths lurk cures, keys, and the occasional fuzz-coated peppermint. They do so much more than hold belongings safely, fashionably, and practically. Ask any woman what it feels like to misplace her handbag and she’ll tell of an all too familiar frenzy to locate it. Purses have saved the day on more than one occasion, especially in the hands of the Women’s Leadership Council and United Way of Thurston County.
On June 7 at the Indian Summer Golf and Country Club, the Women’s Leadership Council will hold its annual ‘Power of the Purse’ fundraiser. United Way Communications and Events Director Michelle Rodriguez explains that “the money received from the Power of the Purse will directly support programs that align with our mission, ‘to positively impact the lives of women and children in our community through financial stability and self-sufficiency’, as well as…scholarships for college students attending South Puget Sound Community College. Last year, the money raised from Power of the Purse helped the Women’s Leadership Council fund programs like CIELO, GRuB, POWER, Family Education & Support Services, and the Thurston Asset Building Coalition, as well as give college students an opportunity to continue their education.”
Key donor and sponsor Nancy LaPointe sums the event up beautifully: “The Power of the Purse is not only an awesome event and opportunity to mingle and socialize with outstanding women, movers and shakers in our community, but an opportunity to demonstrate the power women have to make a positive impact in our community.”
“The contributions, donations and funds raised by the members and supporters of the Women Leadership Council are instrumental in improving the lives of women throughout Thurston County,” LaPointe continues. “The purse symbolically and in actuality is the tool women are using to show their power to change women lives one women at a time.”
In 2013, the event raised over $20,000 and this year’s donated items promise another exciting auction. Says Rodriguez, “We have some signature purses, gift certificates for massages, shopping, outdoor activities, photography sessions, private wine tastings, excursions and many more. We’re excited to have the Local #468 Olympia Fire Department donating to our live auction again this year. Last year they donated a dinner for up to four adults which was prepared by Olympia’s on-duty firefighters at the station, and it received an overwhelming response. We’re also excited that the Thurston County Sherriff’s office and Lacey Police Department will be contributing a donation to our live auction.”
The Women’s Leadership Council believes in helping women through self-sufficiency and financial stability but events like this also bring together community members and business owners to support our friends and neighbors. This year’s Power of the Purse showcases donations from such local businesses as Compass Rose, Irish Alana Salon, Tugboat Annie’s, Warehouse Rock Gym, and Salon 360.
The evening will include auctions, which now offer expedited mobile bidding (via Smartphone, tablet, or kiosks provided by the United Way), amazing food, a dessert auction, and guest speaker. This year’s guest of honor is Judy Hoff, Executive Director and Founder of ‘Queen, It’s a New Day,’ an organization which changes the lives of homeless and battered women. They’re proud that “for over 13 years, thousands of abused, broken and forgotten women have been transformed from devastation to empowerment and self-sufficiency. Life changes in a moment, we create the moments. We bring focus to the forgotten!”
In Thurston County, 11% of our population exists below the poverty level. This is lower than the state average but still an unfortunate statistic. The banding together of local businesses, business-owners, and civic-minded organizations is one key partnership which improves lives.
Our percentage of women-owned businesses, however, is almost 30%, greater than the state average and due in part to organizations like the Women’s Leadership Council. The WLC provided over $50,000 in “grants and scholarships to organizations that promote economic empowerment and financial self-sufficiency for women” in 2012-2013.
Says Rodriguez, “What we have learned is that women who understand how to support themselves and feel empowered to do so are able to give back to their community rather than rely on its services to survive. By helping women become financially stable and self-sufficient, they then become positive examples for their families, particularly their children.”
Power of the Purse tickets are available online or by calling 360-943-2773, extension 13. The program begins at 6:00 p.m. but those unable to attend can donate through the United Way of Thurston County. Let’s sell out the seats, shop freely at the auctions, and raise money for women in our community.
All photos courtesy Dinea DePhoto
