Literacy Is Fun for Everyone (LIFE), a partner of United Way of Whiteside County, held the fourth annual “Power of the Purse” event on Thursday evening, September 25, 2014. Two hundred-forty people were in attendance.
The event was held at Deer Valley Country Club, 3298 Hoover Road, Deer Grove, IL. It featured a buffet dinner and an opportunity to win any one of over 60 purses. A variety handbags was featured, totaling over $14,000 in merchandise, gift certificates, trips, etc. All purses and gifts were donated by over 125 generous businesses in Whiteside County.
LIFE was started by United Way of Whiteside County in 2003, to allow children and families the opportunity to have a complete library of books before the age of five. CGH Medical Center gives each newborn the first book, The Little Engine that Could. The family then registers their child to receive a free book each month.
In September 2014 there were 1394 books mailed free to Whiteside County children.
The annual Power of the Purse event provides funding for the literacy program. The event brought in over $18,000.