On September 16th, 2021 the Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay held it’s 16th annual Power of the Purse event at the KI Convention Center in the heart of downtown Green Bay, WI. The annual luncheon celebrates the impact the Women’s Fund has made in the community and recognizes the important work of local grant recipients. Guests learn more about issues facing women and girls today and have the opportunity to financially support the Women’s Fund endowment and granting programs through a popular handbag and basket silent auction.

Starting at 10am, over 100 items including designer handbags, purses and gift baskets went “LIVE”. All items were available for bidding virtually, which made it easy for both present and online attendees to watch their desired items or place an auto-bid. 

Forget Me Not Fund, Inc donated a Coach’s refined pebble leather, Anna Fold over crossbody clutch with an organized interior and a detachable strap to wear on the shoulder or crossbody. The beautiful flower details make it a one-of-a-kind bag. Bidding started at $30 and sold for $200!

Once the silent auction was near end, lunch began at 11:30am. This year’s keynote speaker was inspirational Boston Marathon hero, humanitarian and award-winning physician, Dr. Natalie Stavas.

Dr. Stavas, an avid runner shared with us her story from April 15th, 2013 after she had just run 26 miles and was about to finish the Boston marathon when bombs detonated at the finish line. She had a choice: run away or towards the chaos that filled the streets. Natalie’s philosophy for success is, “You Run Toward” and on April 15th, 2013 she saved 4 lives. Her story and philosophy was inspiring, empowering and beautifully executed.

“Never underestimate how important you are. Never underestimate how important your actions are. In real time, you may not know the ripple effect that your actions will have on people for the rest of their lives.”
~Dr. Natalie Stavas

Learn more about the Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay Community Foundation at: https://www.womensfundgb.org/