Zoe Lawhorn

Just as East Texans can rely on September’s annual false Fall (or “Hautumn,” as we like to call it) to signal that cooler temperatures are slowly creeping our way, the arrival of luncheon invitations reminds us: it’s not pumpkin spice season – it’s luncheon season, so don’t forget to RSVP!

Special events like luncheons and galas are so important for many nonprofit organizations, in that they offer an opportunity to connect current stakeholders and attract potential new supporters to their missions. Attending an event organized by a nonprofit is an impactful way to get involved and show your support for the work these agencies do, and you will also walk away with a greater understanding of how these organizations meet the need in our community.

For me, the Power of the Purse Luncheon, benefitting the mission and outreach of the Women’s Fund of Smith County, is an energetic celebration of philanthropy and one of my favorite events of the year. Most of the 700 plus guests are women, and the vibe is joyful and empowering. The program features a keynote speaker, fundraising opportunities benefitting GIVE (Girls Invested in Volunteer Efforts), and information featuring several of the nonprofits that have been impacted by Women’s Fund grants. Current members of our giving circle fill the room alongside new women who have come to experience the fun of the event and learn more about what collective giving is all about.

This year, Lisha and Alex Mack will be our guest speakers, and I can’t wait to be in the crowd as these two incredible women share their stories. Lisha and Alex are a mother and daughter team from Longview. Lisha is a self-taught artist who began painting in 2020 as a way to showcase her daughter’s special “My Peoples” drawings. Alex recently graduated from the University of Louisiana and was the first person from her school district with Down Syndrome to receive inclusive K-12 education, ultimately graduating with a regular high school diploma.

“My Peoples” Art is an abstract art collaboration by Lisha and Alex. The duo has enjoyed showcasing their artworks in galleries, within their book titled “My Peoples Art: Stories Behind the Art, the Passion and the Purpose,” and most recently at the National Down Syndrome Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. And soon, they will be together on stage at the CrossWalk Conference Center!

Also in attendance will be members of GIVE, which is a passionate initiative of The Women’s Fund of Smith County. Through this program, high school girls (grades 9-12) experience the joy of collective giving and grant-making. This year, we have more amazing young ladies than ever before, with a class of over 150 girls, and Power of the Purse serves as their primary fundraising opportunity.

Through an incredible partnership with Ferrell Fisher of Lauren Ferrell Designs, the GIVE girls create their very own signature piece of jewelry to sell at the event, with Ferrell’s help and creative vision. Since Ferrell donates her time and all the materials to create the jewelry, 100 percent of the sales go toward GIVE’s grant award total. We will also have chance drawing tickets for sale – with some amazing prizes for the lucky winners. Just last year, and because of their fundraising on this one-day event, GIVE was able to award an $18,000 grant to Bethesda Pediatrics! Amazing – and all because of one fall luncheon.

During the luncheon, we also bring focus to our mission and the work of the nonprofits we support through our annual grants process. In fact, Power of the Purse is our most effective recruitment tool for new members. More women renew their membership with the Women’s Fund and join as a new members each year at Power of the Purse than at any other time of the year. The majority of our grants funding comes through annual membership pledges, and so this one day in the annual life of our giving circle ensures our ability to award impact grants each year and helps to secure our own sustainability through increased growth.

The leaves are falling, and the invitations are arriving! I hope to see you at the 17th Annual Power of the Purse luncheon this year, on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Green Acres Crosswalk Conference Center. You can buy tickets online at www.womensfundsc.org. Don’t forget to RSVP!