Power of the Purse Issues Grants; Raises $21,103 from Steel Magnolias Performances

A total of $21,103 was raised for the Power of the Purse Fund from the four Steel Magnolias performances August 25 – 28.  The fund is an organization of giving specifically for women of Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties. 

“We want to thank everyone for the amazing support of the Steel Magnolias event as we had four near-sellout performances.  Not only were we able to raise a significant amount of money for the Power of the Purse, but we feel our audiences enjoyed a play that is hilarious, wise and moving with its message of enduring friendship and strong women,” said Kim Jones, president of the Community Foundation.

In announcing this year’s grant recipients, Jones said, “We feel so strongly about these two grant recipients’ programs that we made the decision to support them for a second year.”

A grant of $1,500 was presented to Carrollton Presbyterian Church’s Darkness to Light Stewards of Children, a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program.  The program raises awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults about the steps they can take to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse.  All funds received from the grant will be used for training in the local community. 

“The facts are alarming.  One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday,” said Jill Hesterlee, a facilitator in the local program training.  The solution to this complex problem is simple.  Prevention is the answer.  This donation of $1,500 from Power of the Purse qualifies to be matched by Darkness to Light with another $3,000 allowing 450 adults to be trained free of charge.”

The City of Mt. Zion's Legacy Council received a grant of $3,600.  The program's mission is to provide a stable mentoring relationship, with the support of family, for young women from ninth grade to admission into a post-secondary educational institution. The concept for the Legacy Council was born out of a practical need for extended support in preparing students to transition successfully into a life of independence after high school.

"The girls are nominated by a school committee, based upon their proven potential to become leaders. Offering opportunities and skills for a legacy of hope is what we are striving to provide. It is a privilege to be involved with each one of these special girls and it is such an encouragement to be supported by Power of the Purse," said Liz McDill, the program's founder and a teacher at Mt. Zion High School.

In addition to ticket sales and the dozens of volunteers who worked on the production, Steel Magnolias was supported by many local sponsors. 

Platinum Level sponsors were Gary Bunch, P.C./Gary and Denise Bunch, William T. Calhoun, DMD, Cheers Wine and Spirits, Collins, Sullivan and Fleck Families, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Finleyson, Georgia Power, Systems and Methods and Tanner Health System.

Gold Level sponsors were Scott and Joy Butler, Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Fleck, Meats and Treats, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Newell, United Community Bank and Peter and Joan Worthy.

Silver Level Sponsors were Robert and Patsy Barr, Milton and Susan Berry, Classic Gardens, Roger and Betty Daniel, Jill, Doug and Katy Duncan, Ms. P.J. Younglove Hovey, Susan K. Martin, N. Jane McCandless, Moe’s Southwest Grill of Carrollton, Mountain Oak Florist, Charlie and Deidre Rouse, Dr. Dean Talley, Tom and Patsy Upchurch, Gelon and Alice Jane Wasdin and Ms. Kathy Yates.

Power of the Purse offers donors the opportunity to join other women in donating funds and then deciding where the money will be used in support of women’s and children’s initiatives.  Anyone can be a member with an annual pledge of $100.  In addition to membership pledges, the Power of the Purse Fund raises money by sponsoring an event annually like Steel Magnolias.  These events are designed to be fun for members and participants in addition to raising funds.  A focus group of fund members considers possible initiatives of unmet needs of women and children in the community crafts an area of interest for grant applications each year.