3rd Annual “Power of the Purse” Event Celebrates 2008 Grant Recipients
“100 Women Strong” Initiative Funds Two Local Organizations

ORLANDO, FL…(May 1, 2008)…Please join the 100 plus women of “100 Women Strong” at the third annual “Power of the Purse” event, where bidding for purses created by local artists benefits the endowment fund of the Center for Women’s Philanthropy at the Community Foundation of Central Florida.  The event will be held on May 21, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, 1050 West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park.

This past year, the 100 plus women philanthropists who joined to form the “100 Women Strong” giving circle pooled their money, time and talents to benefit targeted needs in the community and provide two grants totaling more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) to two local organizations.

Sydney Green, a local philanthropist and founder of “100 Women Strong,” introduced the giving circle concept as a way women could equally pool their money and decide collectively how to use that money to make a difference.  With 100 annual commitments of $1,100.00, “100 Women Strong” helps solve the issues of domestic violence and women’s health in Central Florida.

Grant recipients in 2008 will be announced at the May 21 event, where attendees will enjoy sumptuous hors d’oeuvres while bidding on designer purses.  For more information about the “Power of the Purse” event, please contact Pennisu Richardson at 407/540-1140.  Individual tickets for the event are $50.00.

The Community Foundation of Central Florida was established in 1994 to advance local philanthropy while responding to community needs and supporting charitable organizations.  Today the Foundation has grown to hold more than 350 charitable funds with assets of approximately $40 million.  Since its establishment, the Foundation has made more than $12 million in grants to improve the quality of life in Central Florida.  By managing and investing donor funds, connecting donors with charitable projects and enabling donors to make informed decisions through research, the Community Foundation fulfills its mission of “Building Community by Building Philanthropy.”