EAST ALTONUnited Way’s Southwest Illinois Division will host the second annual Power of the Purse event on Thursday, April 28, to help local people. The event, designed to be a fabulous ladies’ night out, will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Community College – N. O. Nelson Campus, 600 Troy Road, Edwardsville, IL, 62025.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy heavy appetizers from Bella Milano, a cash bar, a silent purse auction and live auction with a fashion showcase of designer handbags modeled by several local male volunteers.

The cost is $25 per person or $250 for a table of 10, which includes sponsorship benefits. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available. All proceeds will help local people through the Southwest Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis. To register or purchase a sponsorship, visit www.stl.unitedway.org/purse or contact United Way at (618) 258-9800 by April 21.

Lisa Hayes, 2016 Power of the Purse volunteer chair and BDS contracts and pricing trainer for Boeing, is excited to be spearheading this successful event to help the community. “Last year’s Power of the Purse was such an amazing and fun evening all for a great cause, raising more than $12,000,” Hayes said. “I am honored to lead the charge this year to put on another stellar event for women to not only have fun but make a lasting impact on their community through United Way.”

Article continues after sponsor message

Some of the high-end live auction handbags that will be up for bid include fashionable items from Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, Antonia Melani and many more to come. Several of the handbags featured at Power of the Purse will also contain tickets, jewelry or gift cards. A new feature of the event this year is that several accessory items such as key chains, scarves and laptop bags will be available to bid on, too. Guests can also participate in the Pick of the Purse raffle, which is a drawing for one of the live auction handbags (raffle winner’s choice).

“We wanted to make sure there is something for everyone – from high-end designer bags to stylish key chains and accessories – so we will have a wider variety of items this year,” Hayes said. “This year’s Power of the Purse is happening right before Mother’s Day, so it’s an ideal time to come out, have some fun with your friends or coworkers and pick up something for your mom, sister or friend. I encourage ladies to get your tickets now while you can since this event sold out fast last year!”

United Way’s Southwest Illinois Division helps more than 200,000 people each year throughout Madison, Macoupin, Jersey, Greene and Calhoun counties. Thirty-eight local health and human service organizations are supported by United Way’s Southwest Illinois Division’s annual fundraising campaign.

For more information on Power of the Purse or United Way’s Southwest Illinois Division, visit HelpingPeople.org or contact United Way at (618) 258-9800.

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

United Way of Greater St. Louis mobilizes the community with one goal in mind — helping people live their best possible lives. Located throughout 16 counties in Missouri and Illinois, United Way helps one in three people in the region build a foundation for a good quality of life through basic needs, education, financial stability, health and strong communities. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.HelpingPeople.org

More like this:

Apr 13, 2023 - Tickets On Sale For United Way's Power Of The Purse Fundraiser

Feb 26, 2024 - United Way of Greater St. Louis Teams Up with Adam Wainwright to Advance MLB Community Service

Jan 27, 2024 - Thompson Coburn Chair Named United Way of Greater St. Louis Board Chair

Feb 19, 2024 - Brandon Hayes Jr. Thrives In Role As L&C Student Ambassador

Jan 12, 2024 - United Way Campaign Raises Over $67 Million for Local Nonprofits