Women United of Lake Co. Raises $66K For Early Literacy Programs

UW Lake County: More than 200 successful women from all walks of life in Lake County joined forces on Sunday, November 3, to raise a record $66,000 in support of 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 signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse, held at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. During the event, ladies enjoyed a bountiful champagne brunch. In between bites, there were light-hearted and fun games, prizes, silent auction baskets, centerpiece designer bag buys, and great raffles. In addition, more than 75 women raised their paddles to contribute $4,000 towards United Way of Lake County’s Kindergarten Countdown Camp, a summer learning camp for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience.

“We are so excited to have another successful Power of the Purse event and raise even more than in 2018,” said event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos. “We work hard to create an exciting and memorable event that builds enthusiasm and increases dollars year over year. The generosity and support from Women United members truly makes this event possible.”

The Little Kids, Big Futures Fund is directed by members and, since 2014, over $500,000 has been raised and granted for 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, P&G, First Midwest Bank, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Nursing, Allscripts, High-Impact Consulting, HealthFitness, Buffalo Wild Wings, Wells Fargo Advisors, Great Lakes Gelatin, Austin’s Café, Harris & Harris, Jennifer Sparrow College Counseling, Learning Resources, Taylor Enterprises, Waukegan Tire & Supply, Baird & Warner (Lake Zurich), Pet Factory, Kennedy & Co., ALC Medspa, Michelle’s Interiors, Lifeworking Coworking, O.C. Tanner, Dr. Anthony Collins, photos.by.dev, Zengeler Cleaners, Erin Cartwright-Weinstein, Holly Kim and Robin O’Connor.

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.