Power of the Purse set for Aug. 24

Published 4:20 pm Friday, August 18, 2017

The fifth annual Power of the Purse fundraiser for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library promises to be a fun night out while benefiting local youth.

This year’s women-only event will be at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian on Thursday, Aug. 24 and organizers are encouraging participants to get ready to enjoy a night of wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and lots of fun.

Sponsored by the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of East Mississippi, Power of the Purse will feature a live and silent auction of “purse” items starting with a 5:30 p.m. sneak peek and silent auction starting at 6 p.m.

Event chair Patty Ann Bogue said there are some surprises in store for this year’s event, which will ensure a fun and successful evening.

“We are thrilled with this year’s silent and live auction items, and we have a variety of purse styles to suit any taste,” Bogue said. “Area businesses have been particularly generous with gift certificates and other amenities. You will not want to miss these great items”

Returning for the fifth year will be auctioneer Larry Sims from Laurel. Sidney Covington will emcee the fundraiser.

“We look forward to enjoying a wonderful evening led by her wit and fun-loving personality,” Bogue said. 

The recipient of the Judith Coursey Crowson 2017 Women’s Leadership Award will be announced at the event. Last year’s recipient, Susie Johnson, will pass it on to this year’s winner.

Bogue said over the past four years, Power of the Purse has generated more than $100,000 for the local Imagination Library, which benefits about 4,250 children in Lauderdale, Clarke, Kemper, and Neshoba counties between birth and five years of age.

“Our 2017 Power of the Purse committee is dedicated to promoting literacy in our local area,” Bogue said. “If you have never attended, or if you have been every year, we are certain this will be an outstanding night benefiting the Imagination Library and the United Way of East Mississippi.

Tickets for the event are $30, which is the cost of books for one child per year. Tickets are available at the United Way of East Mississippi, Cater’s Market, Harry Mayer, Loeb’s, and Simply Irresistible in Quitman. For more information, call United Way of East Mississippi 601-693-2732.

Power of the Purse was co-founded in 2012 by Susie Broadhead and Angie Denney, after attending a similar event in Athens, Ga.