Women United of Lake County Raises $66,000 for Early Literacy

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.

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. United Way of Lake County recently launched 211, a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline, connecting individuals and families in Lake County to essential health and human services, to improve and save lives.

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 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 more than 100 women who 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. Women United is a critical community within United Way of Lake County.

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