Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) hosted its annual Power of the Purse on Thursday, August 3. The more than $22,000 this event raised goes to fund healthcare services for women in need.
Attendees had more than 65 items to choose from for the silent purse auction; had the chance to enter a raffle for the grand prize Michael Kors purse donated by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust; played a game of heads or tails to win a Brahmin purse, Beats headphones, and Echo speaker donated by Teri Copler and TrueNorth; and bid during a live auction for five nights stay at Eagle Ridge Resort Cabin in Galena donated by Ben and Julie Goulding.
We had more than 65 items for the silent auction
"Power of the Purse brought together an amazing group of ladies for the women in our community. This wonderful community did it again by raising money, having fun, and building friendships. It was a beautiful evening, and thank you again to Laura and Duane Smith for their hospitality."
—Julie Schneekloth, 2017 WLI Chair
This is WLI's 11th year of women helping women. WLI members help fund our health partners Area Substance Abuse Council, Community Free Health Clinic, and Eastern Iowa Health Center. Last year, WLI helped these health partners provide more than 8,000 services to un- and under-insured women. Services include prescription assistance, dental care, vision care, medical co-pays, and more.
Our gratitude to Duane & Laura Smith for hosting the eventWe would like to recognize our Power of the Purse sponsors for making this year's event possible:
- Campaign sponsor: Alliant Energy
- Presenting sponsor: UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s
- Contributing sponsor: ufg Insurance
- Leadership sponsors: Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Holmes Murphy, Mercy Cedar Rapids, and Schimberg Co.
Thank you to everyone who donated items, helped plan and organize, and attended this event!
