United Way of Allen County's Women United

Thank you to all who helped make the 2013 Power of the Purse
a resounding success!!

We also thank our wonderful sponosors!

TRENDY TOTE
Matilda Jane
MEDIA SPONSOR
WANE-TV
CLASSIC CLUTCH
A Party Apart
Britton Marketing
Glo Magazine
Indiana Michigan Power
Jophiel
Shindigz
PERKY PURSE
IPFW
Peg Perego USA Inc.
Christine and Ed Schaefer
Tom and Susan Smith

WHAT IS WOMEN UNITED?

Formed in 2005, Women United is a powerful collaboration of women committed to significantly improving the quality of life for the children in Allen County by ensuring their readiness for kindergarten. We are dedicated to making a difference through focused philanthropic giving, advocacy and volunteerism. Keep up with the latest Women United news with our e-newsletters! February 2013 e-newsletter;
December 2012 e-newsletter

WHAT IS POWER OF THE PURSE?

Power of the Purse is Women United’s signature fundraiser. This unique event includes live and silent auctions for extraordinary purses, networking with community members and time with friends to help fund initiatives to provide children the opportunity to attend quality early childhood programs.

FACTS

Studies reveal that approximately 46 percent of children enter kindergarten unprepared and the most economically challenged kids start school one to two years behind in language and other skills important to their academic success. In Allen County, there are nearly 6,000 children under the age of five living in poverty, which has increased 48 percent from the year 2000.

Leadership Team

Susie Peirce, Co-Chair
Irene Walters, Co-Chair
Kristine Foate, Past Chair
Christine Rupp, Past Chair
Sarah Bodner, Chair
Strategic Planning Committee
Denice Beights, Chair
Power of the Purse Committee

Children without access to high-quality early childhood learning opportunities have a vocabulary of approximately 5,000 words as opposed to children who are exposed to literacy-rich environments, who have about a 20,000-word vocabulary upon entering first grade. A forty-year longitudinal study that followed infants into adulthood showed that investing $1 in early childhood learning saves $7 down the road, with tangible results in family income, health and stability.

These are the staggering statistics that Women United members seek to change through their involvement and investment in United Way.

QUARTERLY LUNCH AND LEARNS
Quarterly Lunch and Learns provide an opportunity for all Women United members to come together for presentations and trainings given by local and national speakers. These quarterly luncheons will also allow all members the chance to network and fellowship with other philanthropists in our community.

MENTORING EFFORTS

The Women United Mentoring Program is designed to empower the next generation of women so they can engage in and strengthen the Fort Wayne community through leadership, fundraising and advocacy. The Mentorship process includes pairing experienced community leaders with new or potential Women United members to explore philanthropic leadership. Mentoring involves individual meetings and communication; together, the mentor and mentee decide on what to focus and how to make the relationship a success.

PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY EFFORTS

Women United is involved with United Way's public policy advocacy efforts. To find out more about what United Way's public policy advocacy agenda, what Women United advocates for and other advocacy resources, click here.

WOMEN UNITED COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITIES

We offer several committees that you can join based on your interests, skills and availability. Get involved today and be a part of improving our community.

Advocacy Committee

Advocates for support of early childhood education programs on local, state, and national levels
Organizes community education forums

Education and Program Committee

Organizes and facilitates community outreach and events for Women United members throughout the year

Membership and Volunteer Committee

Ensures ongoing membership and volunteer recruitment, development, engagement, and involvement with mission to support early childhood education programs
Coordinates volunteer opportunities through United Way staff in collaboration with the nonprofit partners that offer early childhood education programs

Mentoring Committee

Organizes and facilitates mentor program to develop future women philanthropists by matching them with established women philanthropists from the community

Special Events Committee

Organizes the Power of the Purse (PoP) and other fundraising events

Steering Committee

Oversees Women United and ensures strategic plan review and implementation
Allocates funds in conjunction with United Way Investment Cabinet

WOMEN UNITED MEMBERSHIP
A combined household gift through United Way’s Community Campaign qualifies you for membership and match benefits.

Women United Leadership Council Membership
Minimum pledge: $1,000

Women United Membership

Minimum pledge: $500

Women United Associate Membership

Minimum pledge: $250

MATCH OPPORTUNITY

United Way has matching funds available from the Robert Goldstine Foundation and the Indiana Association of United Ways (IaUW). As a Women United member, these grants make it possible for both the new donor making a first time gift and the existing donor who has been giving for many years to make their investment even more powerful. Any new or increased gift of at least $100 will be matched dollar for dollar by the IaUW grant. A new or increased gift of $1,000 will be matched by both the IaUW and Goldstine Foundation grants. Whether you are a new donor or providing an increased gift through Women United, a portion of your donation will go to early childhood learning. Ask a United Way staff person today about taking advantage of these matching opportunities.

To apply for membership please click here to download the brochure and application, complete and mail to United Way of Allen County, 334 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Please send to the attention of Kelly Wehman.

Questions? Contact Kelly Wehman at kellyw@uwacin.org or 260-469-4009.

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United Way of Allen County's Women United

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