A range of designer and everyday purses and items donated by local community members or businesses were up for auction at the event, and everyone in attendance had the opportunity to peruse the merchandise before bidding on their desired items.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres including Asian BBQ meatballs, veggies and hummus, cheese and fruit trays and Boursin stuffed mushrooms were available for attendees to snack on throughout the evening, and individuals also had the opportunity to purchase wine tickets and pick a bottle of wine to take home.

United Way Events and Marketing Coordinator Shannon Johnson said last year 140 people attended the event, and about $19,400 was raised. Due to popular demand, they expanded seating by another 50, allowing 190 people to attend the 2022 rendition. The fundraising goal for Thursday was $21,500, but Johnson was fairly sure they would exceed it by the time the evening was over.

“I’m just so thrilled that this event has kind of just taken off and people are just super excited to come, and they know that they’re supporting United Way. They’re also, a lot of them, are going to walk away with a purse or two,” Johnson said. “It’s just fun to see it kind of take on a life of its own.”

A line of women peruse the available purses during the silent auction portion of the Power of the Purse fundraiser Thursday night.

United Way Executive Director Kendra Sorensen was excited to see how much the event grew in just one year. Guests who weren’t able to make it last year were clamoring to get on the list for Power of the Purse 2022, so they decided to open up the north porch for seating. With more individuals attending, they also needed more purses. This year, they had 94 assorted purses for both live and silent auction.

“None of that would be possible, obviously, (if it weren’t for) the individuals, the businesses, the organizations that all donated. It was wild this year. We didn’t even have our tickets printed yet. We announced it, and then all of a sudden, everybody was flooding in with phone calls and emails, text messages saying ‘Hey, I want a ticket,'” Sorensen said. “It’s just such an inspired event that everybody wants to attend.”

All proceeds from the event will go towards the United Way Campaign to support their 28 agencies and 34 unique programs in 2023, and Johnson feels it is a more effective way to raise money than some more traditional forms of fundraising.

“It’s more than just writing a check and sending it in the mail. They’re also getting an experience along with it,” Johnson said.

Throughout the evening, ladies browsed the purses and mingled with laughter and conversation filling the air. After they took their seats, the bidding began, and several men acting as purse models showed off the merchandise to those in attendance. The 2022 event was the 13th annual event, and it only continues to grow.

One of the several men showing off purses during the Power of the Purse live auction Thursday night displays the first item up for grabs.

“I am so excited because I am surrounded by community,” Sorensen said. “It’s the one thing that I am so absolutely passionate about. So as I look around, these are all awesome, wonderful community members that I work with in some sort of aspect. I think it’s just great seeing everybody here that shows up to support it year after year.”

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Contact Susanna Meyer at 641-753-6611 or

smeyer@timesrepublican.com.