Power of the Purse Raises Thousands to Support Families Across Middlesex County

MIDDLETOWN, CT- The Middletown Elks Lodge looked more like Saks Fifth Avenue than a banquet hall Thursday evening as Middlesex United Way’s Women United hosted its annual Power of the Purse fundraiser. Dozens of purses, baskets, and other unique crafts lined the ballroom as eager guests aimed to outbid others for carefully selected prizes.

Power of the Purse is Women United's signature event and this year's fundraiser brought in thousands of dollars to support local causes that provide services to women and children across the 15 towns that make up Middlesex County.

"Tonight is about more than fundraising. It's about empowerment," said Michele Boutin, Chair of Middlesex United Way's Women United affinity group. "It's about our ability to impact and ignite one another." During her remarks, Boutin shared examples of Women United's impact in the community including a clothing swap held at Reboot Eco in Middletown last year, as well as a collection drive for women's personal hygiene products.

That spirit of empowerment carried through the evening as the focus shifted from fundraising to impact with the presentation of grants to local organizations serving women and children across Middlesex County. This year, four programs were awarded $1,000 with funds made possible from last year's Power of the Purse fundraiser.

The Valley Shore YMCA was awarded a grant for its Child Watch Program which supports childcare for families accessing wellness programs and focuses on early childhood development.

Haddam Killingworth Youth and Family Services also received a $1,000 grant for its "Feelings Out Loud" Mosaic Project aimed at providing social and emotional learning for children in grades 3-6. When the project is completed, there will be a community installation of the mosaic.

Ellafi Kind Inc. will use its Women United grant to support survivors of domestic violence through its Matched Savings Program. Ellafi Federal Credit Union (formerly Seasons FCU) is committed to advancing financial stability and independence for women and families in the community.

Caritas Immigration Legal Services was the final awardee of the evening. Its $1,000 grant from Women United will be used to support its Hub & Spoke Navigation Program, which supports immigrant women and families and connects them to housing, healthcare, food, and other services.

"While we're here to have a great time, enjoy each other's company, and spend a couple of dollars on some really great items, tonight is about so much more than that," said Shawonda S. Swain, President & CEO of Middlesex United Way. "We're here to ensure that these funds stay in our community, and that we support our most vulnerable in our community."

Both Swain and Boutin acknowledged the team of Women United volunteers for their efforts in organizing the event as well as the more than two dozen businesses and three dozen individuals that donated items for the silent auction that had a combined value of over $6,000. With more than 100 guests in attendance, the event highlighted the collective impact of Women United’s growing network of women.

"We are all queens," said Boutin. "Together, we have the power to lift each other up, to take up space, and make a difference."

Middlesex United Way is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives and creating positive change within the community. Middlesex United Way’s Community Impact Council, made up of volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, awarded more than $300,000 to over a dozen local agencies as part of the 2025-2026 grant cycle. Middlesex United Way also provides funding for Connecticut’s 2-1-1 Helpline that connects callers with vital resources related to housing, employment, and mental health services. To learn more about Middlesex United Way’s work, you can visit the organization’s website: MiddlesexUnitedWay.org.