Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade Annual Luncheon Demonstrates “The Power of the Purse”
Over 1,000 women opened their purses for a good cause.

Miami, FL — On April 19, 2007 runway fashion met philanthropic giving at The 2007 Women’s Fund Annual Luncheon, The Power of the Purse: Part I, which raised more than $220,000 for Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade. Over 1,000 women (and a few good men) celebrated the power of women’s philanthropy at this sold-out event by participating in a silent auction of over 100 purses donated by major fashion designers and local artisans.

Handbags in the auction came from Bottega Veneta, Etro, Rene Ruiz, Gucci, Rafe, Kooba, Marc Jacobs, Henry Cuir, Judith Lieber, Balenciaga, Prada, Valextra, le Sport Sac, Michael Kors, Lucky Brand Jeans, Theory, Goyard, and many more.

Luncheon participants delved into their own handbags to enter the “All Dressed Up With Places to Go” raffle that included a $10,000 gift certificate to Rene Ruiz Couture, custom designed shoes by Morgan Miller, tickets to any Carnival Center Presents performance, and a two-night stay at The Four Seasons, Miami. Evelyn Axler, of Pinecrest was the lucky winner.

“It is only appropriate for cutting-edge fashion to support an organization doing cutting-edge work for women and girls in Miami-Dade,” said local fashion designer Rene Ruiz.

The Women’s Fund’s Annual Luncheon was again described as Miami’s best networking event for corporate and community leaders who understand the need to support women and girls in our community. The luncheon also highlighted the tremendous power and responsibility women have to create change in our community.

“This is the most opportune time in our culture and community for women to make a quantum leap forward to create healthy, sustainable communities,” said Chris Grumm, CEO and President of Women’s Funding Network, an international organization of 120 member funds that are committed to improving the status of women and girls locally, nationally and globally. Women's Fund of Miami-Dade is a member of the Women’s Funding Network.

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Women’s Fund’s grant making, advocacy and community-building efforts that address the unmet needs of women and girls in Miami-Dade County.

Since 1993, Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade has encouraged women of every income level to become philanthropists. As a result of these efforts, Women’s Fund’s grantmaking, advocacy and assistance to innovative gender-specific projects throughout Miami-Dade County are creating social change that will have a lasting impact on all women and girls. Women's Fund of Miami-Dade’s website is http://www.womensfundmiami.org.

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