United Way's 9th Power of the Purse Luncheon to be held June 21

The Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Summit County is hosting its annual Power of the Purse Luncheon on June 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Quaker Station located at the intersection of Broadway and Mill Streets in Downtown Akron. The cost is $25 per person or $190 dollars for a table for eight.

The 2011 Power of the Purse will commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Families of Flight 93, a local remembrance of the community outreach through the Greater Akron Fire Truck Fund, and the presentation of the ‘Barbara Mathews Woman Philanthropist of the Year’ award.

The keynote speaker is Deborah Borza, the executive board member and treasurer of Families of Flight 93, a non-profit organization which has vied for the construction of a memorial at the crash site of Flight 93. Her daughter, Deora Frances Bodley, was the youngest female passenger on Flight 93, the fourth airliner hijacked on September 11, 2001. The passengers overpowered the hijackers, and the plane crashed in Shanksville, PA, no doubt saving hundreds of lives in Washington, D.C., most likely the terrorists’ intended target.

Following the death of her daughter, Ms. Borza led the charge for a Flight 93 memorial and co-founded Families for Flight 93. She is committed to a promise for the world, where all people know themselves for the difference that they make. She makes sure that her daughter Deora’s life is a catalyst for Peace. Debby is planning to have a book written about Deora’s life experiences for all to relate to and creating a foundation that promotes world peace among all people, especially utilizing youth from around the world, making a difference regardless of cultural, religious and geopolitical diversity.

The topic of her address for the Power of the Purse luncheon will be ‘Your Choices Change Lives.’

The luncheon will also feature the presentation of the ‘Barbara Mathews Woman Philanthropist of the Year’ award, which since 2004 has been be given to one woman in recognition of her outstanding philanthropic activities. This year’s recipient is Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio.

Judge Teodosio has shown a great enthusiasm for children and advancing their best interests. She has worked alongside agencies that help serve abused and neglected children such as the Summit County Children Services, the local Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board, as well as schools and counseling agencies.

Recently, Judge Teodosio acted as a key figure in the development and implementation of the inaugural “Summit for Kids” forum. The two-day event featured professional workshops, medical, dental, and mental health resources and family entertainment and drew an audience of more than 8,000.

Judge Teodosio has also been involved with the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program/ Guardian ad Litem Program (CASA/ GAL) of Summit County since entering office in 2004. The CASA/GAL program has since grown to over 300 volunteers, making it the largest such program in the state. The program trains community volunteers to serve 1,200 abused and neglected children annually.

Another highlight of the event will be a drawing for a Coach designer handbag donated by Dillard’s at Summit Mall. Deadline for reservations is June 14, 2011. To RSVP call Andi at United Way (330.643.5502) or email areed@uwsummit.org.

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 www.uwsummit.org, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.