Barbara Easterling to be guest speaker at 'The Power of The Purse' Luncheon

President of the Alliance for Retired Americans, Barbara Easterling, will be the keynote speaker at The Women’s Leadership Giving Society of United Way of Summit County’s upcoming ‘Power of the Purse’ luncheon at Quaker Station, corner of Mill Street and Broadway – downtown Akron, on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Doors will open at 11:15 a.m., with the luncheon lasting from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Barbara Easterling, an Akron native, started her career as a telephone operator at Ohio Bell Telephone Co. She served as the first woman secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America, as well as being the first woman in history as secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO in 1995.

Barbara will be discussing “The Power of Women in Career, Home and Community.” She has been an avid leader and supporter of many social issues, raising money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, serving as vice chair of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Trustee of the National Policy Association, a member of the Spina Bifida Foundation, and serves on the executive committee of the United Way of America and its Board of Governors. Her purpose is to fight for social and economic justice by education and mobilizing retirees on healthcare and retirement benefits issues.

The luncheon will also honor Woman Philanthropist of the Year, Vanita Oelschlager.

The goal of The Women’s Leadership Giving Society is to encourage, educate and energize women in the ways of philanthropy to make a difference in the community. Cost for the luncheon is $20.00 per person or a table of 10 for $190.00, and those interested can call (330) 643-5533 for more information.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.