Women United Raises Record $66,750 for Early Education

Nearly 200 generous women joined forces both in person and virtually on Sunday, November 7, to raise a record total $66,750 in support of early education 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 annual fundraising event, Power of the Purse, which celebrates women, friendship and philanthropy. This year’s Power of the Purse was a first-ever hybrid event with both a sold-out champagne brunch at Royal Melbourne Country Club and an online buying and bidding shopping experience featuring dozens of trendy designer bags, silent auction purses, baskets and items. In addition, women also had the opportunity to send underserved children to a Kindergarten Countdown Camp 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 couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this year’s event,” said event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos. “It’s our most successful Power of the Purse to date and the first time we have held an in-person event with an online option. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm from our members and friends who truly care about early childhood education in Lake County.”

The Little Kids, Big Futures Fund is directed by members and since 2014 Women United has raised and granted $850,000 for early education programs with the goal of creating lasting change in Lake County.

Women United of Lake County recognizes the sponsors for this year’s event including, Platinum Sponsor: P&G; Sapphire Sponsor: Great Lakes Credit Union; Gold Sponsor: Law Offices of Judy Maldonado; HEROES Sponsor: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Nurses; Premium Sponsor: First Midwest Bank; Buy a Book, Build a Future Sponsors: Libertyville Bank & Trust, Wells Fargo; Buy It Now Purse Sponsor: High-Impact Consulting; Buy a Toy, Build a Learning Center Sponsors: Harris & Harris, Nichols Crane Rental; Buy a Supply Pack, Prepare a Kid for School Sponsor: Waukegan Mayor Ann B. Taylor; Kindergarten Summer BOOST Learning Program Sponsors: Valenti Interiors; Early Bird Raffle Sponsor: Frances Simons, Baird & Warner Lake Zurich; Thank You Sponsors: Aon, Austin’s Saloon & Eatery, Sysmex.

To learn more about membership with Women United, join their upcoming Wine & Learn prospective member event on December 7th from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. 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 120 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.