UNITED WAY OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
Annual Power of the Purse Event Benefiting Local Women & Children Moves to Downtown Beaufort
United Way of the Lowcountry Women United is gearing up for the 2020 Power of the Purse, celebrating the efforts of women in our community and supporting education initiatives benefiting women and children throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties including two new initiatives.
The Power of the Purse presented by Beaufort Memorial will take place on Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 pm. “We are thrilled to hold this year’s event at Saltus River Grill in downtown Beaufort,” says Power of the Purse Chair, Sonya Reiselt. The event features heavy hors d’oeuvres, libations, and a silent auction. “This is truly going to be a memorable event, benefiting a worthy cause, says Reiselt. “Space is limited so be sure to purchase your tickets before we sell out.”
Power of the Purse is not just for women and will again feature “The Man Cave” presented by SERVPRO of Beaufort County. You’ll find something for everyone at the event’s silent auction including trips, designer handbags, jewelry, golf packages and much more. “We hope you will join us for this special evening as we celebrate the efforts of women who help make a difference in our community and raise money to support local women and children through our Women United initiatives,” said Katie Phifer, Women United Chair.
Proceeds from the Power of the Purse benefit Women United’s Breaking Barriers to Education Fund, Operation Backpack, Mimi’s Closet and the Women United Scholarship Fund. The Breaking Barriers to Education Fund seeks to help fulfill needs that would otherwise prevent a student from attending school or from reaching their full potential. This fund is administered by the United Way of the Lowcountry HELPLINE, which works with school officials to directly remove financial barriers that stand in the way of a child’s education. Over the years, the Breaking Barriers to Education Fund has been used to overcome a variety of barriers, giving children an opportunity to succeed in school.
Through the proceeds, Women United also supports Operation Backpack, which provides backpacks full of school supplies and uniforms to children in our community who are not being served by another agency. Women United works with school social workers to identify students in need of supplies to help fill in the gaps and ensure students in our community have the tools they need to succeed on their first day of school. This school year, Women United distributed more than 1,250 backpacks to local students throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties. As an extension of Operation Backpack, Women United is working with school officials to establish supply closets at local schools. Mimi’s Closets will be stocked with essential items such as hygiene products, snacks, school supplies, uniforms, and other necessities to help break down any barriers that would prevent students from succeeding.
Power of the Purse will also help support the Women United Scholarship Fund. This new initiative will support local, non-traditional female students pursuing a higher education degree at a local institution.
During the event, Women United will honor the Woman of the Year finalists and announce this year’s 2020 Woman of the Year. Women United is currently accepting nominations for the 2020 Woman of the Year. Nominations are due no later than March 3, 2020. For requirements and nomination forms, visit uwlowcountry.org.
Power of the Purse
Thursday, March 19, 2020, 6:00 pm • Saltus River Grill, Downtown Beaufort
Heavy hors d’oeuvres, libations, and silent auction • Tickets: $75 | Couples $140
Tickets available online at uwlowcountry.org or by calling 843.982.3040
