United Way of Allegheny Women’s Leadership Council

Launches New Initiative at 11th Annual Breakfast

On Thursday, September 6th, United Way of Allegheny County hosted a record setting crowd with more than 1,350 guests in attendance at the 11th Annual Breakfast.

Guests learned about United Way of Allegheny County’s new woman-focused initiative United for Women. Created by the Women’s Leadership Council, United for Women will help financially struggling women who have had a major event that has challenged their financial well-being and find themselves one step away from crisis.

During times of intense change – the death of a spouse, a divorce, a financial crisis or a long-term illness, becoming a victim of violence – a woman’s life can be suddenly impacted. Recognizing the need for support of women during these unexpected times of transition has led the Women’s Leadership Council to this initiative.

Pictured at left are Laura Ellsworth, Chair and Elizabeth Terrell, Co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council.

The goal is to make a difference between a healthy and productive life or continued long-term crisis and potential poverty. Our united support will be the bridge to a better future for them and their family.

In addition to the launch of United for Women, guests heard an inspiring message from Lee Woodruff, Author and contributor to CBS This Morning News.

Lee knows that “Life Changes in an Instant.” One minute, she’s a successful writer and businesswoman, mother of four children and wife of Bob Woodruff, co-anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight. The next minute, her life turns upside down when Bob is severely wounded by a road-side bomb in Iraq. Thirteen months later, Bob returned to ABC News. Lee’s message reminded us that no matter your station in life, we all go through transition and we all need support along the way.

United Way of Allegheny County Women’s Leadership Council has committed to raising an additional $1 Million dollars during the 2012-2013 Campaign to support these women in need. In order to reach our goal, each Women’s Leadership Council member is asked to consider a 20% increase in their annual gift. As a result of the Breakfast, Women’s Leadership Council has already collected more than $20,000.

In addition to financial contributions, guests of the Breakfast were encouraged to donate items that were then distributed to agencies currently supporting women in transition.

Thanks to the generosity of our guests, we collected:

* 2,200 pounds of personal care items – skin/hair products and body wash/lotion

* 600 pounds of gently-used accessories – scarves, jewelry and lots of handbags

* $815 in gift cards – gas gift cards and bus passes

We extend a special thank you to Susan Koeppen from KDKA for serving as our emcee.

Thank you to the Wyndham Hotel for providing an overnight stay, in a deluxe suite, with breakfast. A name was selected from all those who made a donation at the breakfast, and the winner is . . .

Margaret Kanaan from Hefren-Tillotson. Congratulations!

Women’s Leadership Council 11th Annual Breakfast is sponsored by:

Premier Sponsor: Eden Hall Foundation

Signature Sponsors: Trib Total Media, UPMC Health Plan

Supporting Sponsors: Duquesne Light Company, Eaton Corporation, First Niagara Bank Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Jones Day, Peoples Natural Gas, UPS

Media Sponsor: Pittsburgh Magazine