United Way Women United Leads the Charge in Closing Gaps in Financial Security for Local Families

At the 13th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction, keynote speaker Rita Moreno inspired nearly 1,000 area professionals and critical funds were raised to sustain free financial resources for residents across the 860 region. 

July 10, 2024 (Hartford, CT) United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut raised more than $370,000 through Women United’s 13th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon and Silent Auction presented by KeyBank Key4Women, which took place June 6, 2024. These funds will sustain United Way-supported initiatives that close gaps and create opportunities to lift people out of extreme and working poverty through job training, financial education, free tax preparation and asset building. 

“We are beyond grateful for the generosity of our volunteers, sponsors and individuals who came together to make this event memorable and impactful. June 2024 marked both our organization’s 100th year of service to our community and the 13th annual Power of the Purse. The best way to celebrate these milestones is continuing to close financial gaps in our community to make sure every woman and family in our region can achieve financial stability,” shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.   

The event featured keynote speaker, Rita Moreno, widely recognized for being a champion of women’s empowerment. Moreno is the only Latina EGOT, a prestigious winner of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. Power of the Purse guests also had the opportunity to bid on designer purses, trips and experiences, including a pair of peacock feather-adorned shoes and a purse from Moreno’s personal collection through the silent auction powered by Robinson+Cole. 

“We were honored to have had Rita Moreno as our keynote speaker, especially during our Centennial celebrations. Hearing her story and learning from her career filled the room with incredible energy and inspiration,” added Harrison. 

“Power of the Purse is Women United’s largest annual signature event, raising awareness and resources that financially empower local women and their families. I am passionate about this cause because there are so many people who are struggling to make ends meet. I am grateful to the committee who has worked hard over the last year to make this event successful to meet the growing need our community is facing,” commented Julie Phelan, Power of the Purse Co-Chair and Assistant Vice President, Central Recovery Operations at The Hartford.  

 “Groups like Women United and fundraisers like Power of the Purse are a powerful way to connect professionals who are passionate about philanthropy and lifting up opportunities for women in our community. I grew up in a family that taught me the importance of giving back and I am proud to encourage others to join me in offering hope and relief to our neighbors who are experiencing economic hardship,” said Tisa Rabun-Marshall, Power of the Purse Co-Chair and Assistant Vice President, Digital Marketing Operations, Nassau Financial Group. 

 United Way and Women United are grateful for the generosity of attendees, members, table leaders, silent auction bidders and the following event sponsors:  

 KeyBank Key4Women   
The Hartford    
Robinson+Cole   
Travelers  
RTX – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon  
Comcast NBCUniversal  
Hartford HealthCare Hartford Hospital  
Hartford Business Journal  
HSB 
Publicis Sapient  
Conning   
Day Pitney LLP 
Talcott Financial Group 
Trinity Health Of New England 
Moses Tax Group 
PeoplesBank  
Poulin Wealth Management Group 
   
About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut  
United Way closes gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy to make the 860 region an equitable place where everyone succeeds. United Way does this by aligning partners across sectors to end poverty; leveraging information and experience to deepen impact; connecting people with resources and opportunities to make a difference; and, transforming the future with game-changing solutions. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org.      

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