The Power of the Purse Celebrates $1 Million in New Funds
Raised for Women and Girls in WNC

June Event Featured Special Guest Speaker Nontombi Naomi Tutu

More than 650 people gathered on June 9th to celebrate the power of women's philanthropy at The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina's fourth annual Power of the Purse Luncheon. The luncheon/auction was hosted by The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa and served as a fundraiser to benefit less fortunate women and girls in the mountains. The event featured special guest speaker Nontombi Naomi Tutu, and guests celebrated reaching $1 million in new funds for women and girls raised by The Community Foundation's work with women since 2005.

Women for Women, a special initiative and "giving circle" created by CFWNC, announced three new grants totaling $280,321 to fund charitable programs that provide for women and girls in need.

Pat Smith, president of The Community Foundation, said, "It is extraordinary to see the level of commitment these women have, and how generously they share their resources with those who are less fortunate. We are so proud to have raised $1 million in new funds to help women and girls in our mountain region in three short years."

Launched in 2005 by CFWNC, more than 300 women have now joined Women for Women. Each member agrees to contribute $1,100 per year for three years and works with other members to pool resources, learn about issues affecting women in WNC, and fund high-impact programs for women in need. This is the third year of grantmaking for the group.

Nontombi Naomi Tutu gave the keynote address, and encouraged women to celebrate the many ways they contribute to society. "Women have learned too well the lesson of modesty," she said. "We don't speak out enough about what we do for communities."

Guests also heard success stories of local women who have been helped by previously funded Women for Women programs. Following the program, an auction was held featuring hand-made artwork donated by women artists who live and work in Western North Carolina . Proceeds from the event and auction benefited The Women's Fund, an endowment held at CFWNC to support the unmet needs of women and girls in the mountains.

The Community Foundation also wishes to thank the following generous sponsors who made the 2008 event possible:

Host Sponsor
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa

Beaded Baguette Sponsors
Asheville Savings Bank
Altavista Wealth Management, Inc.

Chantilly Clutch Sponsors
Blossoms at Biltmore Park
Cakes by Jane
The Ramble Biltmore Forest
Johnson, Price & Sprinkle, P.A.
Jane Snyder
Webb Investment Services
WNC Magazine

Suede Satchel Sponsors
Joel Adams of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Design One
Jeffrey D. Efird DDS
Hampton Inn of Asheville
The Jazzy Giraffe
Keen Impressions, Inc.
Barbra and Keith Love
Eleanor and Charlie Owen
Phyllis Patton
Cherry Lentz Saenger
SunTrust Bank Private Wealth Management
Tops for Shoes

Tweed Tote Sponsors
The Baggie Goose
Bank of Asheville
Bellagio
The Broker & Hamrick Law Firm
Equinection
Heather Lee
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Cary Owen
Pat Smith
Sophie Magazine
Tanner Companies, LLC
The Van Winkle Law Firm
Western North Carolina Woman Magazine