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By Caroline Monday
The High Country Women’s Fund’s second annual
Power of the Purse Luncheon is just around the corner. The organization’s
largest annual fundraiser will be held Friday, Sept. 7, at the
Broyhill Inn and Conference Center at 11 a.m.
The women’s fund is an initiative of the High Country United
Way and was started a year ago with the first Power of the Purse
Luncheon.
The fund raises money, which it allocates to various nonprofit
agencies in Watauga and Avery counties that serve women. The fund
has allocated money to agencies such as WAMY Community Action,
Hospitality House and Opposing Abuse with Service, Information
and Shelter (OASIS). It aids these agencies in their efforts to
empower women and to help them bridge the gap between crisis and
recovery.
Patti Turner, of the HCWF said the fund is not necessarily meant
to assist women in crisis, but to assist them in improving their
lives and becoming self-sufficient once they are out of crisis.
She explained that the nonprofit agencies with which they work
help women leave crisis situations, the HCWF then steps in to
fund efforts for additional growth. This means the group might
fund education, means of transportation, transitional housing
or childcare, things needed to get a better job and support their
families. “It’s women raising money to help women,”
she said.
The agencies working with the fund recommend their clients to
receive the benefits of allocated support. The HCWF then evaluates
the proposed allocation and either grants or refuses funding.
If the proposal is accepted, the agency benefiting from it must
submit quarterly updates on the progress of the individual or
program.
Turner said the fund raising efforts of this year’s luncheon
have been very successful. The event has already raised more than
$50,000 in sponsorships and organizers are hoping to sell about
400 tickets to the luncheon, at $50 each.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System is the event’s premier
sponsor. ARHS is part of the Spirit of Women Hospital Network,
which must meet national standards for excellence in women’s
health.
The main event at the luncheon will be live and silent jewelry
auctions, featuring pieces from local and out-of-state jewelers.
“I think we’ve got some incredible pieces,” event
chair Kim Kincaid said. The fund offered jewelers small stipends
to fund the cost of materials for their contributions to the auction,
though many pieces were donated. “It’s really going
to help us raise money for the women we serve,” Kincaid said.
High Country United Way executive director Jenny Miller will serve
as auctioneer. Claudia Kitchens of the Miami Women’s Fund
will speak at the luncheon. A survivor of domestic violence will
also tell her story.
The HCWF is supported by a group of members who contribute time
and money to the fund and its efforts. There are 30 members of
the Directors’ Circle, who have committed to a minimum of
$1,200 each year for three years. These members can chose to be
active and collaborate on the different fund allocations, or they
can chose to be a sustaining member, who offers financial support
only.
Women who make any size donation can become a member of the Circle
of Friends, which does not participate in decision making.
Kincaid said the organization is expecting an increase in membership
after the luncheon. She said she hopes women will attend the event
and become interested in becoming more involved in the fund.
Tickets for the Sept. 7 luncheon cost $50 and must be purchased
in advance. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, call (828)
265-2111. |
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