The United Way of Richland County held its seventh annual Power of the Purse event on June 7th at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center. This year saw the biggest turnout with almost 350 attendees!
“This event has become a signature event to raise funds for United Way,” said Dan Varn, Executive Director at the United Way. “It has been very successful the past few years and it continues to grow each year. I am constantly hearing how this event is the favorite for many in our community.”
The event focused on a live auction of designer, lady’s handbags as well as a silent auction with a variety of items from gift baskets from local businesses to jewelry. This year there were even more items up for bid and the live auction featured local men as models. A few of the amazing live auction items were: The ultimate date night to see Hamilton in Cleveland – hotel & $100 gift card included as well, a brand new Burberry purse – a Power of the Purse first, Wine Tour for 8 (private limo & coach wristlets for all), New York City trip for 4 (airline voucher, Hilton on Times Square and Broadway.com gift card included), a 2 night getaway to the beautiful Lambertville Inn in New Jersey, OSU football tickets, tickets to the Cleveland Cavs, Indians and Browns…and so much more! The event was catered by The Vault and had a cash bar.
“Half of all the proceeds of the event go to fund our Big Red Bookshelf project,” said Varn. “This project provides gently-used or new books to children from birth to 3rd grade. The donated books are located on bright red shelves located at community sites where young children visit. The children can take books for free to keep that their home. We have doubled the number of bookshelves in the community and have given out thousands of books since we started just a few years ago.” This year for each new or used child’s book that attendees brought in; they got a raffle ticket for a chance to win a red Coach purse valued at over $200.
Hope to see you all next year!