Power of the Purse event benefits Lake Co. United Way

United Way's Women's Leadership Council has found a fun way for women to spend a girls' night out while also benefiting a worthy cause.

The third annual Power of the Purse event, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the Cellar Gate Wine Shop, 524 Sheridan Road, Highwood, will give WLC members and guests the chance to make their own custom handbag with the help of LexiWynn Designs of Libertyville. A percentage of the cost of each handbag will be donated to the United Way of Lake County to help prepare children to succeed in a changing world.

The $25 admission fee includes appetizers and a glass of wine.

The event also gives women the opportunity to learn more about the Women's Leadership Council, which was founded in 2005. The group works to make a difference in the lives of women and children in Lake County through volunteerism, philanthropy and leadership development. WLC's projects directly impact the United Way of Lake County's goal to provide children with core skills to succeed in school.

“What better group than the women of Lake County to lead an early learning effort for our children,” said Women's Leadership Council Chair Glenda Abbott. “As women, we have the power to ensure that the children in our home and in the community have the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.”

Each year, the Women's Leadership Council plays a part in developing, producing and distributing Kindergarten Readiness Calendars, assisting with Early Learning Club programs and mailings, and planning the “One Child, One Year” campaign, where a $100 donation gives one child the chance to go through a Kindergarten Camp that prepares parents and their children for school.

To register for Power of the Purse, call Pam at (847) 775-1024 or see www.uwlakeco.org/purse.