United Way of the Wabash Valley’s Power of the Purse, an event in support of their Success By 6 focused on early childhood education, was held at the Hulman Center on the campus of Indiana State University. This is the 20th anniversary for the annual fundraiser as it continues to provide for children across the Wabash Valley through Success by 6 which promotes healthy early childhood learning to prepare children to enter school ready to succeed.
The event kicked-off with networking and delicious food offerings from 24 local restaurants. But the event’s marquee attraction, shopping, was a great way for attendees to walk away from the event with a new fabulous stylish purse. Participants tried their luck on a silent auction of purses and the purse package raffle with packages valued at more than $750. Each raffle package featured a purse, stuffed with everything from gift certificates, event tickets, jewelry, and all the ways to spoil yourself. In addition, the event held a live purse auction with five purse packages valued at over $1,000 each auctioned off to the highest bidder during the program. All packages are donated by local businesses and organizations allowing all proceeds to benefit United Way’s Success by 6.
The event highlighted the work that Success By 6 has been able to do across the community since it originated from the proceeds of the Power of the Purse 20 years ago. Over the years Success By 6 has done remarkable work for the children of the Wabash Valley. Composed of passionate volunteers who are experts in the field of early childhood education, this group of individuals have developed grant programs to build literacy and other foundational skills, professional development and educational opportunities for early childhood professionals, and advocated tirelessly for our children.
During the event the United Way presented Claudia Tanoos, the founder of the Power of the Purse fundraiser, a special award recognizing her work over the years in establishing the fundraiser that has been able to benefit the children of the Wabash Valley.
Abby Desboro, Executive Director of the United Way of the of the Wabash Valley, explained, “The Power of the Purse is always a highlight of our year. Seeing so many caring women come together to help support the littlest members of our community is always inspiring. The funds raised from this event will help United Way continue our work through Success By 6 to enable children to have a lifetime of success by preparing them to enter kindergarten ready to learn. From our literacy programs including Real Men Read and Dolly Parton Imagination Library, to helping childcares increase the quality of care they can provide, United Way is working to create a stronger Wabash Valley.”
