6th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon - A Big Success

One thousand people gathered in Asheville on Monday, May 24, to hear Political Analyst for ABC News and NPR Senior News Analyst Cokie Roberts and to celebrate the power of women's philanthropy at The Community Foundation's sixth annual Power of the Purse Luncheon. The event took place at The Crowne Plaza Resort and included the announcement of $235,000 in grants.

View the Photo Gallery from the Asheville Citizen-Times.

The program began with a blessing from Marie Junaluska, a revered elder of the Eastern of Cherokee Indians, that included a reminder that we can change the world with a giving heart. The audience heard from Community Foundation President Elizabeth Brazas, Women for Women Chair Tina McGuire and Women for Women members Beth Ellers and Elda Brown before WCQS Program Director Barbara Sayer introduced Roberts. Roberts entertained with comments that ranged from the personal to the political, often drawing applause and laughter from the crowd. She saluted the Women for Women giving circle and the grant focus on economic sufficiency and highlighted the importance of advocacy and education for girls. Her talent for connecting with an audience was clearly evident and video highlights of her address are posted below.

View video highlights of Cokie Roberts' address.

Women for Women is open to new members and several joined at the Power of the Purse. If you would like to be part of this powerful giving circle that provides hope for women and girls in need in Western North Carolina, you can download enrollment materials here. As the membership grows, so does the capacity to help.

Download the Women for Women brochure.

From the handmade vases from local artists to the garden-themed silent auction, the 2010 Power of the Purse has received rave reviews.

We will let you know as soon as we have a date for the 2011 Power of the Purse.