Power of the Purse Raises More than $5,300

May 3, 2018—More than 100 people gathered at Preservation Hall for Women United’s Power of the Purse to bid on an array of donated name brand purses, beauty baskets, and other auction items—for charity. As the numbers on the auction sheets climbed higher and higher, bidders had the satisfaction of knowing the winning bid would support women and children in Racine County through Women United’s Brighter Future Fund. By the time bidding closed, the auction had raised more than $5,300.

The fund offers grant opportunities to Racine County programs supporting women and children through family financial stability, school readiness, and on-time graduation. In 2017, the fund supported five local organizations: SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc. – Girls Inc. of SE WI; Preemie Power of Wisconsin, Inc.; First Choice Pre-Apprenticeship; Bethany Apartments; and Youth for Christ. 

Amidst bidding on chances to offer the most support to the fund, the attendees networked and listened to speeches celebrating Women United’s year of accomplishments. Rodney Prunty, president of United Way of Racine County, and Rebecca Mason, board chair of United Way’s executive committee, introduced speeches by Pam Handrow, executive director of Bethany Apartments and Laura Matter, chair of Women United’s executive committee.

“I'm proud that in our first year, Women United was able to provide grants to five organizations supporting women and children in our community,” said Laura Matter. “These organizations support women in various stages of life—from Girls, Inc. programming for elementary-aged girls at Knapp Elementary, to supporting teen mothers in Youth for Christ’s Parent Life, to helping women get back on their feet at Bethany Apartments. Women in Racine County have stepped forward to lift up other women, and we are excited to continue the momentum.”

Pam was grateful that Women United’s support provided greater financial stability to the women and children Bethany Apartments serves. “The women and children who live at Bethany Apartments arrive with few if any resources.  The Women United grant encourages women to take responsibility for their financial security by providing them with knowledge and resources while offering them with up to $100 in savings to show for their efforts.”

Women United launched locally two years ago, organized by United Way of Racine County. The affinity group welcomes United Way donors who give $1,000 or more annually, uniting them in search of opportunities to support Racine County’s women and children. To learn more, visit UnitedWayRacine.org/women-united or contact Tracie Feest at (262) 898-2242.