The Women United annual “Power of the Purse” dinner and auction of new and gently used purses, held on Thursday, March 15 at 6 PM at the Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City, IN, raised nearly $10,000 in support of collective impact projects in LaPorte County. This year’s fundraising efforts topped last year by more than $1,300. 160 new and gently used purses were donated to Women United by local supporters and partners for the silent and live auctions. 81 people attended the event.

Celebrity emcee, Ric Federighi of 95.1 FM and AM 1420  WIMS kept the crowd laughing and excited during the live auction with is trademark energetic style, leading the crowd in several calls of his signature, “OH YEAH!” and chants of bidders names as they competed for the highly coveted designer and artisan purses. The models also competed admirably to increase the bidding for their items and win bragging rights for collecting the highest donation of the evening.
The live auction raised nearly $1,500 with Mayor Mark Krentz earning the top bid – $375 for a Michael Kors bag with wristlet and wallet valued at $550 – from Kesha M Pate, owner of Ahsek Media and longtime Communications Sponsor for United Way of LaPorte County.