COLUMBIA CITY – Power of the Purse is a designer-purse raffle led by United Way and Steel Dynamics Inc.

The women of the community raised $32,000 for United Way children’s initiatives on April 28 at Eagle Glen Event Center. This is the first event in the 2022 Women United series sponsored by Bowen Health Clinic, according to a news release from United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties.

Local women put together packages featuring a designer purse and other items to raffle off throughout the evening. The funds will go to United Way’s efforts in childcare and services for grieving children.

“The return of Power of the Purse was amazing as hundreds of women gathered to have fun and support United Way,” said Katie DeWitt, United Way board member. “It was incredibly powerful to see so how deeply the women in our community care about making things better for children.”

The Women United Series features events aimed at growing women’s philanthropy and improving the lives of children. The 2022 series is sponsored by Bowen Health Clinic.

“We are so proud to work with Bowen Health Clinic to provide more opportunities for women to lead,” said Darren Bickel, president of the United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties. “Every day, new women join our cause.”

The next event in the Women United Series is “United for Children: An Evening in the Garden” on June 16 at Tippy Creek Winery in Leesburg. Tickets are available at United Way’s website at www.uwwk.org.