Women United of Lake County to host Nov. 7 fundraiser for early education

Power of the Purse 2021 features online buying and bidding shopping experience

GURNEE -- Women United of Lake County is hosting its signature fundraising event on Nov. 7, celebrating women, friendship and philanthropy.

This year’s Power of the Purse is a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual opportunities. While the in-person event at Royal Melbourne Country Club is sold out, there are unlimited tickets available for the online buying and bidding shopping experience that includes dozens of trendy designer bags, silent auction purses, baskets and items.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to send underserved children to Kindergarten Countdown Camp and buy books and toys for preschool learning centers in Lake County’s low-income communities. All of the event proceeds and items purchased will support early learning programs in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities through Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund.

The Little Kids, Big Futures Fund is directed by members and since 2014 Women United has raised and granted $850,000 for early education programs with the goal of creating lasting change in Lake County.

United Way of Lake County recognizes the sponsors for this year’s event, including Platinum Sponsor: P&G; Sapphire Sponsor: Great Lakes Credit Union; Gold Sponsor: Law Offices of Judy Maldonado; HEROES Sponsor: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Nurses; Premium Sponsor: First Midwest Bank; Buy a Book, Build a Future Sponsors: Libertyville Bank & Trust, Wells Fargo; Buy It Now Purse Sponsor: High-Impact Consulting; Buy a Toy, Build a Learning Center Sponsors: Harris & Harris, Nichols Crane Rental; Buy a Supply Pack, Prepare a Kid for School Sponsor: Waukegan Mayor Ann B. Taylor; Kindergarten Summer BOOST Learning Program Sponsors: Valenti Interiors; Early Bird Raffle Sponsor: Frances Simons, Baird & Warner; Thank You Sponsors: Aon, Austin’s Saloon & Eatery, Sysmex.

Online Power of the Purse tickets can be purchased at LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/POP. Buying and bidding will begin Nov. 7 at noon and end at 1 p.m. using your unique event link. Tickets include free contactless delivery of all items to your home if you live within 15 miles of Lake Forest.

To learn more about membership with Women United, join their upcoming Wine & Learn prospective member event on Dec. 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Diana Nielander, manager of Women United, at Diana.Nielander@uwlakeco.org.