Women United Raises $59,800 to Support Childhood Literacy

More than 200 successful women from all walks of life in Lake County joined forces on Sunday, November 4, to raise $59,800 to support early literacy programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children.

The money was raised through Women United’s 13th annual Power of the Purse fundraiser, held at the at Royal Melbourne in Long Grove. During the event, ladies enjoyed a bountiful champagne brunch. In between bites, there were lighthearted and fun games, prizes, silent auction baskets, centerpiece designer bag buys, and great raffles.

“We are so pleased that Power of the Purse increased to $59,800 this year despite the fact that we didn’t add additional people because, like last year, we were sold out,” said event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos. “I am continually amazed by the generosity of our members and their guests to support early childhood literacy and ensure that this event is more successful year over year. We can’t wait to add these dollars to the Little Kids, Big Futures Fund and make even more grants in May,” she added.

The Little Kids, Big Futures Fund is directed by members and, since 2014, has given nearly $370,000 to early literacy 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, Primrose School of Long Grove, P&G, PCA, Allscripts, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, High-Impact Consulting, Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, Michelle’s Interiors, Learning Resources, Harris & Harris, Waukegan Tire, ALC Med Spa, Lifeworking Coworking, Frances Simons Baird & Warner, Dr. Anthony Collins, Iskalis’ American Floor Show, Judy Maldonado, Austin’s Fuel Room, Pet Factory, Judge Christie Bishop, Judge Chris Stride, O.C. Tanner, photos.by.dev, Taylor Enterprises Inc., Kennedy & Co., Excellence In Dentistry, Zengeler Cleaners, Patty Loris, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

To learn how you can participate in United Way of Lake County’s Power of the Purse fundraising event next year, please contact Diana Nielander, Social Enterprise and Affinity Group Manager, at Diana.Nielander@uwlakeco.org.

About United Way of Lake County:

At United Way of Lake County, we believe that preparing children to thrive in school is the best way to disrupt the cycle of poverty. That’s why we engage in activities that are ensuring children are ready for their first day of school, building children’s early literacy skills, helping youth overcome barriers to high school graduation and empowering families to develop a strong foundation for their child’s future success.

Through the support of our partners and supporters, we are transforming communities by delivering programs that are timely, effective and scalable, with results we can measure. For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org.

About Women United of Lake County:

Women United (formerly Women’s Leadership Council) is Lake County’s premier women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging. We are a powerful network of almost 100 women that enable each other to leverage our passions, ideas, expertise and resources to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/wu.