IEUW’s Handbags for Hope Raises Over $6,000 for Local Children
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca – The Inland Empire United Way (IEUW) Women United held its annual Handbags for Hope event May 9th at their Rancho Cucamonga offices. The Kentucky Derby themed event brought together over sixty local women for a deeper look into the work of IEUW and the impact Women United makes for the Launch Point and ieReads programs. Attendees enjoyed canapes and refreshments, while taking part in a silent auction, raffles, and a live auction hosted by Rancho Cucamonga’s own Mrs. California United States 2019, Courtney O’Steen.
IEUW’s group Women United had chosen two in-house programs that cater to local children in the areas of early childhood literacy and college and career readiness. The offices of IEUW were decked with string lights and hand drawn pictures from children impacted by the selected initiatives. Guests were offered tours of the IEUW offices, access to a photo area, and coordinators of the selected initiatives were on hand to further discuss the activities of their programs and the impact IEUW is having on local in-need children.
“Kudos to you George and team for a lovely successful event. [It was] very well organized and looked like the women enjoyed the night out surrounded by friends, new friends, great food, drinks, and beautiful handbags.” remarked Ruby Huey, Vice President, Relationship Manager of Citizens Business Bank and an IEUW Board Member.
Courtney O’Steen, 2019 Mrs. California United States and emcee for the evening said, “The Handbags for Hope event was a wonderful night of camaraderie and raising funds for the Inland Empire United Way! It was exciting to see women embrace the theme of our derby night. I’m so proud to be a part of an organization that supports our communities. As the spokeswoman for IEUW, I can wholeheartedly say this event was a success and everyone who participated made a difference for a deserving child! What more could you ask for in an evening of raising funds? From the thoughtful décor, to the delicious food and fabulous auctions, both silent and live, it was an honor to be a guest speaker and auctioneer.”
The successful evening would not have been possible without the support of L.A. Girl, QTC Management, Fairplex, Safelite AutoGlass, Curt Hagman, and Galit Linder and our in-kind donors Chinese Laundry, Evolution Fresh, Family & Kids Foundation, Cadillac Ranch Saloon, The Dress Shoppe, Josh Mancillasla, and Jeanette Sepuleda.
Anyone interested in learning more about Women United should visit the website at https://ieuw.org/womenunited and are encouraged reach out to George Nasci-Sinatra at gsinatra@ieuw.org about becoming a member.