Now in its 27th year, The Power of the Purse hosted by The Women’s Fund returns on April 15 at OZ Arts Nashville.
Beginning at 7 p.m., this year’s event will take the form of a cocktail fundraiser for an exciting and dynamic evening of innovative dishes crafted by talented female chefs, delicious signature cocktails, and live entertainment throughout the night. There will also be a live auction showcasing curated purses and exclusive items for some extraordinary bidding opportunities. And it’s all for an incredible cause, as the event supports programs that empower women and girls through economic self-sufficiency, violence prevention, and overall well-being.
The event benefits The Women’s Fund — an endowed fund established within the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in 1994 — and supports the organization’s commitment to funding long-term solutions that help transform the lives of women and girls throughout Middle Tennessee. We chatted with the chairs of this year’s Power of the Purse, Arnita Ozgener and Tonia Klein, to learn more. (http://cfmt.org)
Nashville Lifestyles: What made you want to chair Power of the Purse?
Arnita Ozgener: I believe in the mission of The Women’s Fund of economic self-sufficiency for women, prevention of violence against women and girls, and the promotion of health, well-being, and talent of women and girls. Not only do I believe in this mission, but I know when we raise funds for TWF through The Power of the Purse that we can support more girls and women in our own community to accomplish self-sufficiency, and keep them safe and healthy.
Tonia Klein: I’ve had the privilege of being front and center to the tremendous work that The Women’s Fund does and the impact this work has on nonprofits in Middle Tennessee that serve women and girls. Through its granting process, The Women’s Fund assists programs that help women become financially self-sufficient, prevent violence against women and girls, and promote the health, well- being, and talent of women and girls. I truly believe that when you lift up women, you lift up communities. How could I not do all that I can to raise money for this endowed fund that will always be here to address the specific needs of women and girls in our community?
NL: How are the funds raised from this event utilized and how much has been raised over the years?
TK: In 27 years of existence, The Power of the Purse has raised over $5.5 million. In that time, over 180 unique organizations have been supported. From Thistle Farms to the Community Resource Center, to The Nashville Diaper Connection and The Mary Parrish Center, all these amazing organizations are in our community helping and healing women and lifting them up.
NL: Why is supporting Power of the Purse important and why is the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee vital to our community?
AO: The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has a wide reach and is truly changing lives and, in return, making our community a better place for all. The Women’s Fund is one fund within the CFMT, and Power of the Purse is our signature spring fundraiser. When people and companies support this fundraiser, they are giving vital money that not only addresses immediate needs, but also the root cause of need, helping to craft impactful solutions for generations.
NL: What inspires you to utilize your time, talents, and treasure to support nonprofits?
AO: I believe if we support and assist our most vulnerable, we can make lasting change and improve our community for all.
TK: My two children inspire me every day to do more, to be better, to love more. They are both so observant of the world around them and curious and sometimes very definitive about the ways we can and should all do good. I’ll always walk alongside them on that journey!