Girls Inc. Makes it Fashionable to be Strong, Smart and Bold

How powerful is the purse?  At Girls Inc of Westchester County’s annual fundraiser, the answer was $150,000 strong. That’s the amount the local chapter of the 145 year-old national girls’ empowerment organization raised in a single night. Their recent ‘Power of the Purse’ gala brought celebrities, business leaders and designers together to raise money for programs that enhance the financial literary, everyday savvy, and self-assurance of local girls between the ages of 9 and18.

Held in Ardsley at ‘Life: The Place to Be,” the festive Power of the Purse gathering featured an exciting auction of unique, individually-crafted handbags designed to honor 11 Westchester “purse-o-nalities.” A teen from Girls Inc.’s programs strutted the runway to model each designer-created masterpiece, to share her dreams for the future, and to invite the crowd to invest in girls like her.

NBC-TV Today Show financial advisor Jean Chatzky served as the emcee for the evening. New York State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins,

CNBC Financial Correspondent Sharon Epperson, and Fashion entrepreneur Eileen Fisher -- a long-time Girls Inc. Westchester supporter -- were among those who slung bags over their shoulders to raise money for the cause. The evening also featured exclusive shopping boutiques, a raffle of fine wines, and a silent auction of one-of-a-kind experiences, from personal tours to selected vacations.

 

By the time the evening drew to a close, the ‘Power of the Purse’ event had achieved – and exceeded - its initial goal.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come out in support of Westchester girls, and our effort to teach girls the skills they’ll need to be financially independent adults.” said Sally Baker, Executive Director of Girls Inc. Westchester.

The many heartfelt testimonials offered by local Girls Inc youngsters inspired and engaged the more than 400 guests. Enthused Matisse Clayton 11 of New Rochelle, “Girls Inc. has empowered me to be whatever I choose – a journalist, a doctor, a lawyer or a president.” Added Roosevelt High School student Margaret Herring of Yonkers, “I was considered to be nothing and fought to be something; I triumphed. I’m half way here so who’s going to stop me?”

The ‘Power of the Purse’ gathering serves as the centerpiece of Girls Inc. Westchester’s annual funding campaign, which raises money for programs that inspire all girls to be ‘strong, smart, and bold.’ Through workshops, classes, and conferences, Girls Inc. Westchester helps pre-teens and teens throughout the county learn about leadership, financial literacy, media literacy, science and technology careers, and more.

“This event gave the all-important message to Westchester girls that they matter, and that there are countless women and men who care about and are willing to invest in their future.”

(Pictured at top: Shell Roberts, Sabrina Standard, Jacqueline Williams, Andrea Stewart Cousins: Photo Credit Cesar Rivera)