2026 Power of the Purse
Over 200 women and supporters gathered at Washtenaw Community College for United Way’s annual Power of the Purse, presented by Henry Ford Health. Through auctioning over 100 purses and incredible raffle items, the community raised over $110,000 to benefit the economic stability of women and children in Washtenaw.
“Washtenaw families face a stark economic divide with too many individuals struggling right at or below the survival threshold,” said Decky Alexander, professor at EMU and host of WEMU’s Washtenaw United. “This is precisely where United Way for Southeastern Michigan steps in bringing people, organizations and resources together to bridge that divide.
“Tonight’s Power of the Purse is a powerhouse example of that work in action, focusing directly on expanding women’s financial assets, security and independence.”
Guests celebrated 2026 Woman of the Year Karen Chapell, who shared how to be the FACE of your community by showing up with Faith and Family in mind to Advocate, Connect and Engage with the people around you.
“Community is not something that happens around us; it is something we create together,” said Karen. “Truthfully, I believe this recognition belongs to every woman in this room, you show up, you lead, you serve, you solve problems, you lift others, you create change in ways both visible and unseen.
“Together, we have the capacity to create lasting impact.”
Originally just excited for the cute purse-shaped cookie, Laura Kelly lucked out on the raffle for an 18K gold and diamond purse necklace while attending with her husband Daniel Kelly of Kelly & Associates.
The impact of Power of the Purse would not be possible without our sponsors; Henry Ford Health, University of Michigan Health’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital, Kelly & Associates CPA, Retirement Income Solutions, Trinity Health, Washtenaw Community College, Bank of Ann Arbor, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Plante Moran Realpoint, Walbridge, DTE, Engage@emu, Invenergy, Old National Bank, Pearl Planning, Preferred Title Agency of Ann Arbor, TRUE Community Credit Union, University of Michigan Credit Union, University Musical Society, AHP, Betty Brigade, Marnita Harris, ITC Holdings, LaFontaine Buick GMC of Ann Arbor, J&L Heating and Cooling, Megan Mazurek of Reinhart Realtors, Carol Melcher, Oracle, Oxford Companies and our spotlight purse sponsor; Neiman Marcus.
Keep scrolling for an inside look at this year’s event through our photo gallery…
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