Power of the Purse
A Mardi Gras Celebration
Save the Date
October 15, 2026
The annual United Way Power of the Purse Gala returns for an unforgettable evening of glamour, giving, and empowerment. Join us as we celebrate strong women, uplift vital community programs, and raise funds to support local families in need.
This is one night you won’t want to miss!
Registration will open in July 2026.
A Mardi Gras Celebration
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Cowlitz County Event Center
1900 7th Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
Doors open at 5:00
Purse Raffle, Silent Auction, and more 5:00 - 7:00
Buffet Opens 6:30
Program starts 7:00
The evening will include:
*Purse Raffle: 50+ purses will be raffled off.
*Golden Ticket: Winner of this raffle gets first choice of any purse from the purse raffle
*Silent Auction
*Live Auction and Paddle Raise
*Heidi Souvenir Woman of Excellence Award: A local female that lives the United Way mission, will be named.
*No Host Bar: Will include specialty drinks (one will be a mocktail), proceeds from those specialty drinks will directly support United Way.
*Dinner Buffet: Catered by Summerland Catering
*Dessert Dash
**Much, much more!
Become a Power of the Purse Sponsor!
By sponsoring Power of the Purse, you’re not just supporting a glamorous evening—you’re investing in real impact.
Your sponsorship helps fund programs that uplift women, children, and families right here in our community.
Tickets will go on sale in July 2026.
We Need Your Help to Make Power of the Purse a Success!
We’re currently collecting new purses, desserts, and auction items for this year’s Power of the Purse—and we’d love your support!
NEW Purses Needed
Our purse raffle is always a crowd favorite! We’re looking for brand-new purses with tags still attached—all styles and brands are welcome. From trendy crossbodies to designer handbags, your donation will help raise critical funds. Your name will be proudly displayed on a tag attached to the purse.
Delicious Desserts for the Dessert Dash
Help us sweeten the evening by donating a dessert that serves at least 8 guests. Cakes, pies, cheesecakes, and creative confections are all welcome! Each dessert will be showcased with a sign recognizing the donor.
Auction Items for Live & Silent Auctions
We’re looking for a variety of exciting items and experiences to feature in our live and silent auctions. No item is too big or too small! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Gift baskets (wine, spa, movie night, pet treats, etc.)
- Gift cards to local restaurants, boutiques, or salons
- Weekend getaways or hotel stays
- Experiences like wine tastings, guided tours, or cooking classes
- Event tickets (concerts, sports, theater)
- Handmade art or custom creations
- Themed party packages or home décor
Your name will be listed alongside your auction item, showing your support for our cause.
Ready to donate or want more details? Contact Angela, aheinlen@cowlitzunitedway.org—we’d love to hear from you!
In 2023, we lost an incredible member of our organization and dear friend, Heidi Souvenir. Heidi's warmt
h, generosity, and dedication greatly benefited United Way and our community. In her honor, we named our Woman of Excellence Award after her, recognizing the example she set through her commitment to serving others and strengthening our community.
Presented annually at Power of the Purse, the Heidi Souvenir Woman of Excellence Award honors an outstanding local woman whose philanthropic spirit, leadership, volunteerism, and community service have made a meaningful impact in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum Counties. If you know a woman who embodies these qualities, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
Criteria
A The Woman of Excellence Award recognizes a local woman whose philanthropic spirit, leadership, and service have made a meaningful impact in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum Counties.
Nominees should:
- Live or work in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum Counties.
- Embody United Way’s mission to mobilize the caring power of our community to continuously improve the lives of every person in Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to giving back through volunteerism, advocacy, charitable involvement, community leadership, or support of local causes.
- Actively work to improve the quality of life in our community and create opportunities for others to succeed.
- Inspire positive change by building partnerships, engaging others in service, and investing their time, talents, or resources to benefit the community.
- Be recognized as a strong, positive, and contributing member of the community whose actions have had a lasting impact on the lives of others.
This award is intended to honor women whose service extends beyond their professional responsibilities and reflects a genuine commitment to strengthening our community.
To be eligible for this award, the nominee cannot be a current United Way staff or board member and cannot have received the award within the past five years.
To Nominate a Woman of Excellence: Please complete the nomination form in its entirety and share as much information as possible about your nominee's contributions and impact. Only complete applications will be considered. The details you provide help the selection committee evaluate nominees and may also be used to recognize and celebrate the award recipient. The more information you can share, the better we can understand your nominee's story.
Nominations close 8/20/26
