DAYTONA BEACH ― In 2004, volunteers with United Way's Women's Initiative put on the area's first-ever "Power of the Purse" luncheon to raise donations for nonprofits helping women and children in need in Volusia County.
On Friday, the chapter now called Women United of Volusia held its 20th annual "Power of the Purse" event at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. The sold-out event drew 600 people, equaling last year's record turnout.
The donations raised set a new all-time high
This year's event raised over $150,000, breaking last year's record by $20,000, confirmed Michelle Caudell following the luncheon.
Caudell, who works for Foundation Risk Partners, was the volunteer co-chair for this year's "Power of the Purse" for the second year in a row along with Tiffany Edwards of Canine Companions Southeast.
The donations came from both ticket sales, sponsorships, raffle ticket sales and the sale of hundreds of donated silent auction items.
It's come a long way from its beginnings
The inaugural Volusia Power of the Purse event was held at the old Sunset Harbor Yacht Club in Daytona Beach where it drew just over 300 people and raised $35,000.
Over the years, the Power of the Purse event has raised more than $1 million combined, said Mica Lill, president of the Volusia chapter of Women United.
Co-chair knows personally how the donations can make a difference
As a teen, Caudell, now 31, lived at the Florida United Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise.
It wasn't until she graduated from college, moved back to Volusia County and became a volunteer with Women United that she learned how the Power of the Purse played a role in shaping her life. The children's home is one of the donation beneficiaries.
"I sit on the (Women United) board now and I'm able to give back to the place that raised me," said Caudell.
Elizabeth Gadd, the children's home's chief development officer, attended this year's Power of the Purse. "Michelle is a great testament to the work that we do at the children's home," she said. "We could not be prouder."
This year's event had a 'Roaring 20s' theme
Several attendees dressed up in 1920s attire to celebrate the Power of the Purse's 20th anniversary. Among them was Brittany Clark, co-chair of the Women United grants committee, who wore both a pearl necklace and shawl that once belonged to her grandmother.
A Broadway performer sang the National Anthem
Chelsea Turbin, a veteran of Broadway musicals in New York City, sang the "Star Spangled Banner" to kick off the luncheon. Turbin will stay in town to perform a show called "I HRT Broadway − A Musical Revue" at Daytona State College's News-Journal Center performing arts theater Sept. 29, 30, and Oct. 1.