Rita Moreno Joins United Way as Keynote Speaker for 2024 Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction presented by KeyBank Key4Women

Harford, Conn. (March 28, 2024) – United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut announced today that the legendary actress Rita Moreno will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Power of the Purse taking place June 6, 2024 at the Connecticut Convention Center. Moreno, who has been widely recognized for being a champion of women’s empowerment and recently named honorary chairwoman of New England’s premiere Latina Leadership & Advocacy Institute, is also best known for her role as Anita in “West Side Story”. Rita has won all four of the most prestigious awards in show business: an Oscar, a Tony, two Emmys and a Grammy (EGOT). Moreno is the second woman and first Latina to join the prestigious list of EGOTs.   

“We are so honored to have Rita Moreno join us during a monumental milestone for our organization and do this announcement on Women’s History Month. We are celebrating our Centennial year of service and we couldn’t think of a better way to elevate this event than by hosting such a remarkable woman. Rita’s career and lifetime contributions to American culture makes her a role model and a perfect fit for an empowering experience like Power of the Purse,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.  

Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction presented by KeyBank Key4Women takes place Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center.  

In addition to enjoying Power of the Purse’s Keynote Speaker, sponsored by The Hartford, event attendees can expect to network with more than 1,000 area professionals, the fan-favorite silent auction and a powerful connection to United Way’s mission and impact.   

For more than 13 years, Power of the Purse has financially empowered local women and their families. Proceeds from the event benefit United Way-supported programs and collaborations that help families get on the pathway to a financially secure future, connect individuals with skills and training for jobs in our region as well as provide financial services such as free tax preparation and budget coaching. 

This fundraiser is organized by United Way Women United, a philanthropic membership group of United Way boasting a strong force of volunteers who give, advocate and volunteer for women and our community. 

For Power of the Purse sponsorships, tickets and tables, visit unitedwayinc.org/events.  

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About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut   
United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s vision is a community where opportunities are available for every child to succeed in school and for every family to achieve financial security. United Way brings people and resources together to address immediate needs and finds long-term solutions to challenging problems. United Way does this by investing in programs and services, leading community change initiatives, and mobilizing resources and volunteers to ensure that: children succeed in school; people get jobs and are financially secure; people are healthy; and, basic needs are met during tough times. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org.  

Media Contact: Anyeline Céspedes López | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut | acespedes@unitedwayinc.org | 787.502.0436