"The Power of the Purse" to Celebrate Women's
Leadership and Philanthropy - Thursday, March 26, 2009

The Bucks County Women's Fund will present "The Power of the Purse," a celebration of groundbreaking work to empower women and girls in Bucks County, on Thursday, March 26 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland. The grantmaking dinner will feature a silent auction and raffle, a presentation of Woman of Vision awards, and a keynote address by Helen LaKelly Hunt, a pioneer in the women's funding movement.

This year's celebration comes at a landmark moment for the organization. The Bucks County Women's Fund spent all of last year listening and assessing the needs of women and girls in Bucks County, which heralded new grantmaking procedures. Now, the organization is set to award $21,250 through seven grants specifically targeted to create lasting, positive change by focusing on economic security and self-sufficiency for women, next generation leadership, and access to information and services.

"Because women form the core fabric of families and communities, BCWF awards grants with strategic care to non-profits that empower women and girls through programs that create systemic, long term social change," says Executive Director Kathy Beveridge. "The careful selection of this first round of awards is another great reason to come together and celebrate."

In addition, the event will spotlight shining proponents of women's leadership and social philanthropy by honoring four women with the Woman of Vision Award: Immediate Past Pennsylvania State Treasurer Robin L. Wiessmann, businesswoman Karen Thompson, Helen LaKelly Hunt, and the late Peggy H. Adams.

Sponsored by Comcast, "The Power of the Purse," will feature an emcee with a familiar face--Lynn Doyle of It's Your Call with Lynn Doyle on The Comcast Network will enliven the evening. In concert with the purse theme, the silent auction and Bags to Riches Raffle will include everything from designer handbags to a computer bag bearing a new laptop computer.

"The Power of the Purse" reception and silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar. Dinner, with choice of entree, will be served at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $80 per person, and guests are encouraged to "Bring a Clutch" by reserving a table for 12 for $1,000. All proceeds benefit the ability of the Bucks County Women's Fund to provide a long-term vision of safety, opportunity and leadership for Bucks women and girls to create systemic social change.

For detailed information, please visit www.bcwf.org/powerofthepurse.htm. To learn more, call 215.345.5440 or send an email to event@bcwf.org.