INSIDE LOOK: Women United Volusia Chapter

All over the nation women are learning about the benefits and rewards of leveraging their time, talent and resources on behalf of their own interests. They are merging power, money and the desire to act as catalysts for change within their local communities. Meet the Volusia Chapter of Women United.

MISSION

To inspire, educate and engage women in philanthropy, community service and advocacy; in order to positively impact the lives of women and children in our community.

HOW IT BEGAN

In 2004, a group of influential women in the Volusia County community joined together in support of women and children in this community. As an affinity group of United Way, the Women United Volusia Chapter; formerly known as, Women’s Initiative of Volusia (WIV) has grown to encompass professionals, community volunteers and business leaders who inspire those around them to reach out with a full and giving heart. Annually, through the Power of the Purse fundraiser held in August, the Women United group raises funds to support women and children in the Volusia community.

MAIN FUNDRAISING EVENT

Power of the Purse

Date/Time: August 21, 2020 at 11 a.m. – August 23, 2020 at 9 p.m.

Where: For the health and safety of our community, the 17th Annual Power of the Purse will be held virtually.

Women United Volusia invites you to, “Be the Sunshine in Someone’s Storm” through the Virtual 17th Annual Power of the Purse event! Even though you can’t attend in person, you can still join as a supporter through the online event that is open to the public.

The virtual silent auction and raffles will open on Friday, August 21 at 11 a.m. and will close on Sunday, August 23 at 9 p.m. Bidding on the silent auction items will happen in real-time and if you are the winner, you will be able to pay for the basket online when the auction closes. All raffle tickets will also be sold online and the winners will be announced live on their Facebook page. Be sure to join the event on Facebook so you will receive a notification, with a link, when the auction goes live.

All proceeds from this event benefit local, community-based agencies and programs supporting women and children. In 2019 Women United Volusia granted out over $75,000 to more than 20 local charities in the community through this event!

Please consider supporting their event by donating gift certificates, merchandise, services or experiences for the silent auction. You can also partner with them and become a sponsor. The East Coast Current has been a proud Media Sponsor of this event for three years now.

GIVING BACK

Chicks for Kicks – Individuals all over the county are struggling with the need for quality shoes. By donating your new or gently used shoes, you will be able to better prepare someone in this community for their daily life.

In 2018 alone they were able to distribute 2,546 pairs of shoes to multiple agencies and schools in need. Shoes can be collected by dropping them off at the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties office, attending a social or by contacting them directly.

United for Little Ones – Members will be delivering “Baby Bundles” to mothers in need throughout Volusia County. This is a new program that will be working closely throughout the year with local organizations.

They are looking for any community support to help make this successful. Anyone is encouraged to donate gently used items or monetary gifts are accepted via the website. If you would like to donate to the baby bundles or have gently used items, please contact them directly.

MINI GRANT APPLICATION

Applications for Women United of Volusia Mini Grants start August 1 and will be open through August 31, 2020.

Applications can be found at uwvfc.communityforce.com and must be submitted by September 6, 2020. In 2019 they received 37 grant requests totaling $119,000.

BOARD MEMBERSHIP

If you are ready to be a part of this dynamic group of women united for change, you can find out more information by visiting them online or calling them directly at the number listed below.

HOST

They are always looking for ways to make a bigger impact on the women in our community. If you would like to host a Women United Volusia Chapter social at your place of business, or if your business would like to raise money for donation you can contact them directly at the number listed below.

2019 – Year Overview

In 2019 Women United Volusia granted out over $75,000 to more than 20 local charities in the community, received 37 grant requests totaling $119,000, tracked over 1,000 hours of volunteer work, distributed 18,000 meals to school-aged children and donated 925 pairs of shoes to local women.