A Night of Impact, Empowerment, and Community
We were honored to be part of this year’s Power of the Purse event hosted by Middlesex United Way’s Women United, an evening that brought together more than 100 community members in support of women and families across Middlesex County.
Held at the Middletown Elks Lodge, the event transformed the space into a vibrant marketplace filled with donated purses, curated baskets, and unique items, all auctioned to raise funds for local programs. Beyond the excitement of bidding, the evening carried a deeper purpose rooted in empowerment, connection, and collective impact.
Power of the Purse is Women United’s signature fundraiser, and this year’s event successfully raised thousands of dollars to directly support programs serving women and children throughout the region. The energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to lifting one another up and creating meaningful change in our communities.
As the evening shifted from fundraising to impact, we were incredibly proud to be named one of this year’s grant recipients. Ellafi Kind received a $1,000 Women United grant to support our Matched Savings Program for survivors of domestic violence. This program is designed to help individuals rebuild financial stability and work toward long-term independence by matching their savings and providing a pathway forward during a critical time in their lives.
We are deeply grateful for this support and for the opportunity to continue expanding access to financial resources for those who need it most.
We also want to recognize the other incredible organizations doing vital work in our community, including Valley Shore YMCA, Haddam Killingworth Youth and Family Services, and Caritas Immigration Legal Services. Each of these programs plays an important role in strengthening families and creating opportunity across Middlesex County.
Events like Power of the Purse are a powerful reminder that when communities come together with purpose, real change happens. We are thankful to Middlesex United Way, Women United, the event sponsors, volunteers, and every attendee who contributed to the success of this evening.
Together, we are building a stronger, more financially resilient future for women and families in our community.
Photos courtesy of Joshua Rivera and Middlesex United Way, capturing an unforgettable evening of community, empowerment, and impact at this year’s Power of the Purse event.