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It's okay to engage in a bidding war when what you're buying goes to help fund 28 agencies and 32 programs that provide services and support for people in Marshall County.
The Marshalltown Area United Way's annual Power of the Purse will take place Oct. 12. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. and will include a night of fun, music and heavy appetizers and sparkling beverages, wrapping up at 9:30 p.m.
The event, which was established in 2009, has traditionally been held at Elmwood Country Club. For the first time, it will take place at Midnight Garden, 1501 S. 17th Avenue.
Shannon Johnson, events and marketing coordinator with United Way, said moving the event will allow for more seating.
"Elmwood's ballroom seats 140, and last year, we opened a porch up to seat 50 more. Feedback from that was people felt disconnected (who sat) on the porch," Johnson said.
While Midnight Garden can seat 300 people, Johnson said the target number for the event is a 240-person guest list.
"We are nearing that 240 goal, but we will have some flexibility if enough people come forward that want some seats or a table," she added. "We're super excited for owner Luisa (Ortega) to provide us with the appetizers. She always wows. We're excited to see how we can fill up that space -- maybe breathe a little new life into the event -- even though it's been super popular for many years and usually sells out."
Ortega said she's happy her venue will be used for the festivities.
"It's a feel-good event. We are super excited to be hosting Power of the Purse. Anything we can do to help -- knowing United Way helps a lot of agencies. I'm happy to help them out with a venue that can hold more people so they can sell more tickets." Ortega said. "I'm on the YSS board and it's one of the agencies that gets United Way funding."
Last year's fundraiser brought in $26,000 with the aim of beating that figure this year with $35,000.
The United Way's 2023-24 goal is to raise $825,000 for the organizations and agencies it helps fund in the county.
Individuals, businesses and organizations donate purses and bags (or other in-kind items used to fill them), which are then auctioned off during the night.
Around 90 purses went home with new owners last year, with the goal of pushing that to 95 this year.
"We have around 50 to 60 purses now, but more always come into us as we get closer to the event," Johnson said. "Last year the purses were pretty evenly split between the live auction and silent auction."
New purses (only), gift certificates from your place of business, new jewelry or other similar items and bottles of wine, worth a minimum of $18, are being accepted now through September 27.
Johnson said in early October, the Power of the Purse committee would determine which items would be placed in the live or silent auction, based on sales potential. Donors list the monetary value of the bag/purse.
"Purses in the live auction start at 40 percent of their value and go from there," she said.
In addition to the auctions, a Wine Pull will take place. Attendees can purchase a wine cork with a number on it. During the night, locate the bottle with your number on it and enjoy your surprise beverage. (The bottles will all be wrapped and vary in monetary worth).
"Anybody who really wants to walk away with something or give in some way, there's a wide range there," Johnson added.
Ortega said that while she and a friend purchased a table for the event, she'd likely be too busy running the venue to really enjoy the evening.
"I'm hoping Midnight Garden works out for them. If it does, we'd be glad to establish a long-term relationship with United Way," she said. "I hope it's a win-win for us and them, so they can continue to help Marshalltown and the agencies."
Committee members are able to pick up your donation, or you may drop items off at the United Way office on the south end of the MACC (formerly known as the Fisher Community Center), at 709 S. Center Street, Suite 135, or call the office at 641-752-4688. If you need assistance, contact any committee member: Kelli Thurston, Cherra Meloy, Erin Krough, Linda Von Holten, Kendra Sorensen, Peggy Hannam, Maria Gonzalez-Alvarez, Shannon Naughton and Shannon Johnson. Reservations are available by contacting Shannon Johnson at shannon@unitedwaymarshalltown.org.
To learn more, visit: www.unitedwaymarshalltown.org/2023-power-purse.