Power of the Purse: Women United Volusia packs house for 19th annual charity event

DAYTONA BEACH — Women United Volusia's 19th annual Power of the Purse luncheon filled the grand ballroom at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort on Friday.

The approximately 600 people in attendance was the largest turnout for the charity fundraiser since the COVID-19 pandemic began, said Brittany Clark, president of the all-volunteer Women United Volusia group.

"We had 600 in 2019 as well, but had to hold our event in 2020 as a virtual-only event because of COVID," said Clark, who works as an account executive for Spectrum Enterprise. "Our Power of the Purse event last year was in-person, but it was a scaled-down version that only drew 400."

Mission: helping women in need

Fewer people attended last year's event, but it still managed to raise a record $105,000 in donations.

Those contributions from both ticket sales as well as purchases of silent-auction items allowed Women United Volusia to award grants to 30 area nonprofits last year.

While the total amount raised at this year's event won't be known for weeks, Clark said she and the Power of the Purse's other organizers are hopeful it will set a new record. Collectively over the years, the event has raised more than $1 million. Women United Volusia is an affinity group of United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties.

"We grant out every single dollar that is raised and our goal this year is to hit $125,000," said Michelle Caudell, co-chair of the 2022  event. Caudell is an insurance risk specialist with Daytona Beach-based Foundation Risk Partners.

"With over 600 attendees (Friday) and over 200 silent auction items, I know we can do it," said Tiffany Edwards, the event's other co-chair. Edwards is an associate director of development for the American Diabetes Association.

During the hour before the start of Friday's program, the second-floor area outside the ballroom at the Hilton was filled with laughter and chatter as attendees networked and checked out silent auction items while sipping champagne and munching appetizers. Many took selfies or posed for group photos.

The luncheon also offered plenty of reminders of what the event is all about: helping women and children in need in Volusia County.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to see this entire room filled," said Courtney Edgcomb, the president of United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. "This group of women, they are committed. This (Power of the Purse luncheon) is only one piece of the work they do throughout the entire year. You'll see them volunteering. You'll see them visiting with their agencies.

"Thank you for helping make Volusia County the best place that we can possibly live, work and play and at the end of the day for supporting United Way."

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Disabled advocate shares her story

The event's keynote speaker was disability advocate Margret "Meg" Hanky, a 13-year resident of the Duvall Homes group home in DeLand. Duvall Homes has been a recipient of grants from Women United Volusia over the years.

The wheelchair-bound Hanky gave a frank talk that recounted how being born with cerebral palsy has presented her with numerous challenges. They include enduring frequent put downs and constantly being under-estimated, especially when she was growing up.

Hanky credited Duvall Homes with helping her live a full and safe life, despite her disabilities, which she assured the audience are strictly physical in nature. "My brain works, but my body doesn't," she declared.

"I moved to Duvall Homes in 2009," she told the gathering after explaining how she tried living more independently by sharing an apartment in the Orlando area with a roommate.

"Sadly, I was taken advantage of," she said of that experience.

When her family decided she should return to living in a group home, Hanky admitted, "at first, I was angry and resentful. It took some time, but I finally realized that it was the best decision for me. I have friends and a very dedicated staff (at Duvall Homes)."

Hanky said living at Duvall Homes has allowed her to learn skills and take on responsibilities, including serving as the group home's "unofficial party planner."

The latter statement was immediately confirmed by Shirley Zonnevylle, the group home's opportunities program director, who stood behind Hanky to assist her in giving her speech.

Hanky also finds time to help others as a volunteer for various causes, including the Salvation Army, as well as serving as an ambassador for Duvall Homes.

Hanky said she especially enjoyed the weekly art classes that Duvall Homes offered prior to the pandemic, thanks to a grant from Women United Volusia. "The teacher was wonderful," she said.

"I now have a fuller life and a safe life," Hanky said before adding, "I believe everyone's life is important. If we truly listen and observe rather than judge, we will become educated."

Clark told the audience, "Together, we're transforming our community to be a better place for future generations. ... When women come together, we open our hearts and our purses to make a positive impact."

Women United Volusia is accepting grant applicants through 11:59 p.m., FridaySept. 16. For more information, visit bit.ly/2022WUVGrant.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Power of the Purse: Women United Volusia packs house for annual event