Power of the Purse will celebrate the spirit of woman
By Caroline Monday
cmonday@mountaintimes.com

One year after its creation, the High Country Women’s Fund is preparing for their second annual Power of the Purse Luncheon, to be held at the Broyhill Inn and Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 7.

The first luncheon raised the funds used to establish the HCWF — this luncheon will raise more money to further its work supporting local women. The fund is a women’s initiative of High Country United Way.
The HCWF is a fund-raising effort that allocates money to different nonprofit agencies in the area that work to serve women. The fund has allocated money to agencies in Watauga and Avery counties, such as Hospitality House, OASIS and WAMY Community Action. It aids these agencies in their efforts to empower women and girls and helps bridge the gap between crisis and recovery.

Patti Turner of the HCWF said the fund is not necessarily meant to assist women in crisis, but to assist them in improving their lives and becoming self-sufficient once they are out of crisis. She explained that the nonprofit agencies with which they work help women leave crisis situations, and the HCWF then steps in to fund efforts for additional growth. This means the group might fund education, means of transportation, transitional housing or child care, things needed to get a better job and support their families. “It’s women raising money to help women,” she said.

The agencies working with the fund recommend their clients to receive the benefits of allocated support. The HCWF then evaluates the proposed allocation and either grants or refuses funding. If the proposal is accepted, the agency benefiting from it must submit quarterly updates on the progress of the individual or program.
The HCWF is supported by a group of members who contribute time and money to the fund and its efforts. There are 30 members of the Directors’ Circle, who have committed to a minimum of $1,200 each year for three years.

These members can choose to be active and collaborate on the different fund allocations, or they can chose to be a sustaining member, who offers financial support only.
Women who make any size donation can become a member of the Circle of Friends, which does not participate in decision making.

The second annual luncheon comes after a “year of learning” Ashline said. This year’s event finds the organization more established and “growing by leaps and bounds.”

The luncheon will be bigger, with a capacity of 375 people, up from last year’s 200. Ashline and Turner said all women are invited and donations of any size are welcome. “We’ve learned that those little checks add up,” Turner said.

The main event at the luncheon will be live and silent jewelry auctions, featuring pieces form local jewelers. High Country United Way executive director Jenny Miller will serve as auctioneer.
Claudia Kitchens of the Miami Women’s Fund will speak at the luncheon.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System is the event’s premier sponsor. ARHS is part of the Spirit of Women Hospital Network, which must meet national standards for excellence in women’s health.
Tickets for the Sept. 7 luncheon cost $50 and must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, call (828) 265-2111.