Power of the Purse, an event that celebrates the power of women’s leadership and philanthropy, will bring together nearly 500 members of the community this year. The Women’s Initiative of the United Way of Bucks County is set to host the event on March 8, 2012, which is International Women’s Day, at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland, Pa. It will feature a reception and silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m. The event emcee is Lynn Doyle, host of It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle.
Power of the Purse was a signature event of the Bucks County Women’s Fund for over 20 years, and was focused on honoring women and girls who make a difference. This year, the newly formed UWBC Women’s Initiative will proudly carry on the tradition and mission of investing in women’s lives and girls’ futures.
The 2012 honorees are The Women of the Garden of Reflection. The Bucks County Garden of Reflection 9-11 Memorial is the official Pennsylvania memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It was created to remember and honor all 2,973 people killed on September 11, 2001. It is situated in Memorial Park amid the natural beauty of historic Bucks County farmland in Lower Makefield Township.
Although the dedication and support of many individuals and organizations made this Memorial Garden possible, it is a small group of volunteers who coordinated the efforts. These extraordinary women dedicated time and energy to create a place of healing for those affected by this national tragedy. Honorees include: Tara Bane, Clara Chirchirillo, Grace Godshalk, Fiona Havlish, Liuba Lashchyk, Valerie Mihalek and Ellen Saracini.
Youth being honored at the event are Neha Gupta and Lauren Buben. Gupta, a 15-year-old Yardley, Pa. resident, created the nonprofit organization Empower Orphans at age nine. Empower Orphans’ creates self sufficiency among orphaned, abandoned and under-privileged children by supplying them with the tools to gain a basic education and technical skills, with the long term goal of a sustainable livelihood. In November 2011, Gupta received the World of Children Award – the Nobel Prize for Child Advocacy.
Lauren Buben, a 17-year-old Yardley, Pa. resident, actively participated in the Bucks County Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. Buben was diagnosed with Leukemia at age three and was honored as a Make-A-Wish child. She has been in remission for over 10 years. She currently volunteers with Give Kids the World Village in Florida to help other children’s wishes come true.
Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available for those who wish to improve the lives of women and girls in Bucks County, or to help honor those who do. To learn more, contact Patricia Gallagher at 215-949-1660, ext. 111 or patriciag@uwbucks.org.
About Bucks County Women’s Initiative: The Bucks County Women’s Initiative of the United Way of Bucks County improves the lives of women and girls through advocacy, education, partnerships and grants. Managed by women, we build gender equity, create social change, and promote a culture of philanthropy among women and girls.
For more information, visit www.uwbucks.org.
