United Way demonstrates the ‘Power of the Purse’

Designer purses, unique handbags, and an array of themed totes were up for grabs on Thursday (Oct. 23) at United Way of Fort Smith Area's ninth annual Power of the Purse luncheon.

Hosted at Movie Lounge's Epic Event Center in Fort Smith, the event included a high-end purse auction, mystery box drawings, a delicious lunch, and comedy served up by popular Southern author Ronda Rich.

Three hundred women attended the luncheon, which serves as the only fundraiser for United Way's early childhood literacy initiative, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The program, which exists as a partnership with the Dollywood Foundation, provides books to children ages five and under on a monthly basis. Books are mailed to the child's home in an effort to spark an interest in reading before the enrollee begins kindergarten.

United Way coordinates and sponsors Imagination Library locally, providing books to 2,500 children in Crawford, Franklin, Logan, and Sebastian Counties.

Forty bags were up for bid including popular brands Coach, Dooney and Bourke, Michael Kors, and Isaac Mizrahi. A number of themed packages were also featured in the auction, including a Razorback Game Day assortment and a "Faithfully Yours" set.

During the program, Cindy Barker, Power of the Purse committee member, invited eight year-old Will McCauley to join her at the microphone. Barker chatted with McCauley about Imagination Library and about his love for books and reading.

"I like to read them to my sister," said McCauley. "She gets them each month."

The third grader then read aloud from one of his favorite books, "Old Bear and His Cub," and encouraged guests to support the program which has benefitted his family.

"Your gift of $30 provides books to one child for one year," explained McCauley in his appeal. "Or you can do more than one year and give as much as you like."

Following McCauley's words, organizers welcomed popular Southern writer Ronda Rich to the stage. Rich returned to Power of the Purse this year as the special guest speaker, having last appeared at the event in 2008. Rich has authored several bestselling books including "What Southern Women Know that Every Woman Should," and "The Town That Came A-Courtin," which was recently made into a television movie starring Lauren Holly and Valerie Harper.

"Being here feels like I am coming home to Fort Smith," said Rich upon taking the podium. "I love being in Arkansas. … it holds a special place in my heart."

Rich proceeded to tell many of her infamous "momma" stories, as well as tales about her "blessing of a Yankee husband" and his adjustment to life with her in rural Georgia. Along the way, she shared a number of thoughts about the power of saying "yes" and always having hope.

"I am a firm believer that one 'yes' wipes out a 1,000 'no's'," said Rich. "It only takes one yes to erase all the rejections and disappointments from before. It is why I believe that there is always hope … the kind of hope that United Way provides through programs such as Dolly Parton's Imagination Library."

Tickets for the luncheon were $40. All proceeds from the ticket sales and auction, support enrollment for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Children living in Crawford, Franklin, Logan and Sebastian counties ages birth to five are eligible to enroll in the program. Parents can sign their children up online  or by calling United Way at 782-1311.