Women United is hosting the Power of the Purse on Thursday, Oct. 26, to benefit Quad Cities kids. The event will feature an inspirational speaker and an evening of fun, signature cocktails and a designer handbag auction, the United Way of the Quad Cities donor network announced.
The night’s keynote speaker is Rachel Giannini who was featured in the acclaimed documentary “No Small Matter.”
Released in 2019, “No Small Matter” explores the most overlooked and powerful force for change in America today: early childhood education. “Every child deserves an opportunity to thrive,” Ms. Giannini said. “But, when a child lacks the support and nourishment needed to grow, it can affect the entirety of their lives. It’s critical we act now, as the smallest moments can have the most significant impact.”
Tickets for the event are $100 each or $750 for a table of eight. They are available at the Power of the Purse website. The event will be 6:30-8 p.m., at Rhythm City Casino, 7707 Elmore Ave., Davenport. Money raised will help support early education and kindergarten readiness for kids in the Quad Cities.
Women United invest $6M+
Over the past 12 years, Women United donors and members have raised and invested more than $6 million in the Quad Cities to increase access to quality child care and preschool for underserved children. Those funds helped empower parents with the tools they need to be their child’s first and best teacher and support the development, attraction and retention of the child care workforce.
“Research consistently underscores the profound impact of high quality early childhood education. It improves cognitive abilities and emotional development, builds a foundation for lifelong learning, makes learning outcomes more equitable, reduces poverty and improves social mobility from generation to generation,” the QC United Way news release said. “It’s worth noting that 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before age 5.”
Too many children miss out on the kinds of critical experiences that are easily available to all children, and they are especially lacking in disadvantaged neighborhoods. In these areas, too many children enter kindergarten underprepared to succeed.
“I’m inspired by the commitment of Women United,” Cassie Stewart, vice president of Early Childhood Learning and Education for United Way Quad Cities, said in the release.
“This mighty group relentlessly works to help every child in every Quad Cities neighborhood enter kindergarten ready to thrive,” she added. “It will take all of us. And, when we make that vision a reality, we will absolutely change the trajectory of a generation and our region.”
Anyone over 18 is invited to join Women United for an evening of community, compassion and commitment to a brighter future.
For more information about Women United, visit www.unitedwayqc.org/womenunited.
