(Utica, New York) In October, The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, in partnership with Baird Private Wealth Management, celebrated the Power of the Purse, an event to celebrate the empowerment of women and girls in our local communities.
More than 160 attendees toasted the impact The Women’s Fund continues to make in the area and honored five local women who are making a difference in our communities.
“Baird Private Wealth Management celebrates the achievements of women and our partnership with The Women’s Fund is an important one,” noted Michele Sheridan, CFP, Director at Baird in New Hartford, New York. “At Baird we understand the barriers that women can face and we are excited to recognize the work and achievements of these local women.”
The women recognized were:
Ann Furner – Retired School Teacher and Ambassador for the American Heart Association
Carol Lenaghen – Founder of Redeeming Love Fellowship Family Help Center
Melissa Lennon – Owner Lennon’s WB Wilcox Jewelers
Morgan Mielnicki – Director of Marketing and Social Media, Sentinel Media Company
Judith Reilly – Executive Director of St. Margaret’s Ecumenical and Retreat Center
To best support these talented women Baird gifted $500 to the charities of their choosing and generously presented The Women’s Fund with a gift of $21,500.
“The Women’s Fund is incredibly grateful to Baird for their support. We could not accomplish our mission of supporting women and girls without their commitment and generosity,” noted Debra Altdoerffer, President of The Women’s Fund Board of Directors. “Their partnership and this initiative to highlight and celebrate local women is one we truly value.”
The event held at the Yahnundasis Golf Club also highlighted one of the initiatives of the Women’s Fund, providing feminine hygiene products to area middle and high schools to ensure access for young women and help keep them in school. Two school nurses from the Clinton School District spoke about the need they see every day; many young women and their families in our area lack the funds and access for these products. This initiative respectfully supports them.
The Women’s Fund’s mission is to create economic, educational and personal growth opportunities for women of all ages and to help ensure and encourage the full participation of all women in Herkimer and Oneida Counties as they navigate the many challenges in their lives.
