Women United of Lake County raises $62k for early literacy

United Way of Lake County announced today that more than 165 generous women joined forces virtually on Sunday, November 8, to raise $62,000 in support of early literacy programs. The funds will help 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. The traditional, in-person champagne brunch event was reimagined this year to be their first-ever online buying and bidding shopping experience featuring more than 50 designer bags and 20 silent auction purses, baskets and items. In addition, women could also help send underserved children to a Summer BOOST Learning Program for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience, as well as buy books and toys for preschool learning centers in Lake County’s low income communities.

“We are thrilled about the success of this year’s Power of the Purse event which surpassed our fundraising goals,” said event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos. “While we were not able to be together in person due to the pandemic, we worked hard to transform this year’s event into a fun online experience knowing that our local children have never needed us more. We are extremely grateful for the generous support of Women United members and their friends who make this event possible every year.”

The Little Kids, Big Futures Fund is directed by members and since 2014 nearly $700,000 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, Platinum Sponsor: P&G; Gold Sponsor: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Nurses; Premium Sponsor: High-Impact Consulting; Buy a Book, Build a Future Sponsors: Kendra Scott, Taylor Enterprises, and Nichols Crane Rental; Invitation Sponsor: Great Lakes Credit Union; Buy a Supply Pack, Prepare a Kid for School Sponsor: Bank of America; Buy a Toy, Build a Learning Center Sponsors: Sysmex, Harris & Harris, Erin Cartwright-Weinstein, Mary Ellen Vanderventer, Holly Kim and Robin O’Connor; Kindergarten Summer BOOST Learning Program Sponsors: JSS College Counseling, Frances Simons; Photography Sponsor: photos.by.dev; Thank You Sponsors: Pet Factory, Ericka Gorman - Great Lakes Credit Union, Waukegan Tire & Supply, Austin’s Saloon & Eatery, Patrice Maloney-Knauff.

To learn more about membership in Women United, join their upcoming Wine & Learn prospective member event on December 9th from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Diana Nielander, Manager of Women United, 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 115 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.