The Women’s Resource Hosts Record-Breaking Power of the Purse Fundraiser

The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston channeled the vibrance of Mexico City at its fourth annual Power of the Purse fundraising event on November 5. Over 450 friends and supporters gathered at the Revaire for an evening of celebration and empowerment, featuring the return of a silent auction of gently used and new luxury handbags, mystery grab bag raffle, and champagne bar.

Under the dedicated leadership of event chair Jayne Johnston, the event raised a record-breaking $250,607 to support TWR and its mission of empowering the women and girls of Houston through free financial education and workforce development programs. The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour where guests enjoyed live entertainment, browsed the exclusive selection of silent auction lots, and entered the mystery grab bag raffle for the chance to go home with a $3,400 diamond tennis bracelet generously donated by Diamonds Direct. The event also featured an exciting raffle for a stunning Chanel single-flap handbag and Visa gift card, all valued at nearly $6,000.

The evening’s program featured event honoree, Beth Wolff, a long-standing pillar of the Houston community with a demonstrated commitment to philanthropy and women’s empowerment. In addition, YourLife Coaching client Lani shared the incredible transformation of her financial wellbeing and professional future, which she achieved with the help and encouragement of her TWR coaches, Geana and Jodi. Not only did she pay off thousands of dollars of debt and purchase her first car, but she also successfully negotiated a new salary and bonus at her job. Lani’s story is more than a testament to the value of TWR’s programs – it is a mantra for any woman who is discovering the life-changing power of investing in herself first.

Something I’ve learned while participating in the many offerings offered by The Women’s Resource is that when I invest in myself FIRST, everything else will fall in line. I feel the same is true for investing in women in general. When we invest in women, whether with our dollars, time, or words, we set the future up for success.

Emcee Daniella Guzman of KPRC brought the energy and enthusiasm to the night’s main event: the auction of luxury handbags modeled by local leaders and TWR’s very own clients. Event chair Jayne Johnston opened up the runway with the eye-catching Chanel raffle handbag before returning mid-show to model her own purse-onality bag, a vibrant pink Louis Vuitton. She was joined by a formidable roster of purse-onalities: Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO Dr. Laura Murillo showcasing a vintage Fendi shoulder bag; 2025 Humanitarian of the Year Dr. Jacquie Baly with a luxurious velvet Gucci Marmont bag; marketing maven Leisa Holland-Nelson modelling a Louis Vuitton shoulder bag with the added flair of leather fringe; enterprising business leader Jody Merritt with a striking Balenciaga handbag; influencer Kelly Thomas keeping it classic with a Gucci boho tote bag; Project 88 founder and podcaster Ericka Graham with a Clare V waist bag; and token gentleman George Foreman IV strutting the runway with a versatile Coach carry-on.

The record-breaking funds raised at Power of the Purse will support TWR’s mission of empowering women and girls with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to succeed through financial education and career programs.

Event photos are available at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCAjQM.

Media Contact

Taylor Tatum, Development & Communications Manager

(713) 667-4493 ext. 105

ttatum@thewomensresource.org

About The Women’s Resource

The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston helps women and girls make choices toward becoming independent, productive, and financially stable. The organization provides free financial education and workforce development programming to support women and girls in the Greater Houston metropolitan area.