United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s Power of the Purse event was a success on all counts.
More than 120 guests filled International Falls Elks Lodge #1599 May 8th for the Wicked! themed event, raising more than $21,940 to support UWNEMN’s youth programs directly in Koochiching County.
The last Power of the Purse in Koochiching County was held in 2018. The event returned with the help of UWNEMN staff and an event planning committee comprised of local women.
“The event helped expand awareness of our local United Way and all the programs and services they provide to the community,” said committee member Julie Ehrman. “I heard repeatedly from attendees how much fun they had and how much they looked forward to the next event.”
All proceeds from Power of the Purse will stay local, supporting the six youth programs UWNEMN currently operates in Koochiching County: Buddy Backpacks provides weekly meal kits to students at-risk of hunger; Imagination Library mails free books monthly to children ages 5 and under; Lunch Buddies mentoring program pairs screened, trained mentors from the community with elementary students to share one lunch break/week; Meet Up and Chow Down serves free summer lunches to any child ages 1-18; Step Into School brings qualified students shopping for new school shoes; and the new Youth United Contest uplifts youth voices across the region.
“Just like each of our programs, the success of this event was dependent on community involvement and support,” said UWNEMN Resource Development & Events Director Elizabeth Kelly. “We are grateful for the way Koochiching County residents and businesses show up to make it all possible.”
The event raised funds – and awareness – through silent and live auctions, raffles, and games. Ehrman emceed, Erik Strand served as auctioneer, International Falls native and FOX21 Evening News Anchor Maria Vollom spoke and donated proceeds from books she sold over the course of the evening.
Auction and raffle prizes were donated by local businesses, individuals, and organizations; dessert was donated by the Ranier Rec Club; and volunteers decorated and helped the event run smoothly – including the Falls High School cheerleaders who served and cleared dinner, provided by Krazy Thompson and the Elks.