Women Working Wonders Fund Presents Virtual Power of the Purse Plus Fundraiser

Lowell, MA – The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, will host their annual Power of the Purse Plus fundraising event as an Online Auction and Raffle from Oct. 10 to 15, 2021. This virtual Power of the Purse Plus fundraiser is where handbags and accessories take center stage.

A student at Refuge Lowell, a recipient of a 2021 Women Working Wonders Fund grant to fund a program for girls and young women creating community through public art.

“At Women Working Wonders, we know that a purse is more than a mere accessory or fashion statement. The purse is a symbol of power, of a collective philanthropic dedication to improve the lives of girls and women, and thus improve society,” said Carolyn Gregoire, Women Working Wonders Fund board president. “The Women Working Wonders Fund’s Power of the Purse Plus is key to our ability to raise funds for grants that improve the lives of girls and women in Greater Lowell.”

This year’s Power of the Purse Plus features exclusive Tory Burch and Louis Vuitton Raffles. Tory Burch raffle tickets are $20 each, or $10 each on October 10, which is National Handbag Day. Louis Vuitton raffle tickets are $50. Additionally, there will be over 65 auction items available. Participants may register to bid and purchase raffle tickets online through Bidpal (https://one.bidpal.net/wwwpurse2021).

Proceeds from the Power of the Purse Plus event support local programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. Women Working Wonders provides annual grants in three key areas: assisting women in transition, providing leadership development, and contributing to the beautification of the environment. WWW fund has distributed 51 grants totaling over $250,000 since its inception in 2004. In 2021 Women Working Wonders proudly awarded $56,800 to six Greater Lowell nonprofits.

Recipients of 2021 WWW grants: 

  • Budget Buddies: $10,000 for New Workshop for Women: Financial Health for Families with Children
  • Challenge Unlimited: $10,000 for Equine Encounter: Healing to Leadership for Girls and Women 
  • Coalition for a Better Acre: $10,000 for Sewing Training Program 
  • Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell: $10,000 for Leadership Academy
  • Refuge Lowell: $10,000 for Girls and Young Women Creating Community Through Public Art
  • International Institute of NE: $6,800 for Creating New Avenues for Success (CNAFS)

“The grant from the Women Working Wonders Fund will help to initiate an exciting new program that fosters education about public art, street art, community murals, and installations in a typically male-dominated arena,” said Nikki Giraffo, founder of Refuge Lowell. “This program will empower middle and high school girls to develop personal and conceptual content for their public art projects.”

For more information, visit womenworkingwondersfund.com or contact womenworkingwondersfund@gmail.com.

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About Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.

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