MARSHALL - Everyone feels like they need to stop and take a breath sometimes. Not only is spending an evening out to socialize a good way to unwind, it can also be an event for a good cause.
"What we find is that people really enjoy an evening being among friends," said Ruth Ascher, executive director of United Way of Southwest Minnesota.
Area residents and members of the Women United for Early Childhood group are looking forward to the fifth annual "Power of the Purse" event Tuesday evening at the Marshall Golf Club. Ascher said about 100 people are expected to attend Tuesday's event, which includes a silent auction of more than 60 purses and other gifts, dinner and some special treats.
"We are excited about the desserts," Ascher said. A new area business, KNK Kupcakes of Canby, will be providing cupcakes for the event. Organizers for the event learned of the cupcake bakers and were eager to have them be part of the meal, she said.
The theme of taking some time to re-center yourself will be part of the event's keynote speech by Michelle Burns. Burns is a certified retreat coach who will be speaking about finding balance and renewal in life.
The evening will also be a chance to highlight the projects Women United for Early Childhood support, Ascher said. Proceeds from Power of the Purse go to benefit literacy and school readiness programs in the region, including the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children. Ascher said funds raised from Power of the Purse also help pay for school-readiness bags for kindergarten students. More than 2,000 children in the Marshall area receive books through the Imagination Library, and 800 children have received school bags, she said.
More information on Women United for Early Childhood can be found online at United Way of Southwest Minnesota's website, www.unitedwayswmn.org.