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Gastonia, NC (WNN) - On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Gaston County United Way's annual Purse Power event proved that a good handbag can do more than complete an outfit; it can help change a child's future. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Gaston Country Club, the evening blended style, community, and purpose.
For the past 21 years, Purse Power has partnered with Dolly Parton Imagination Library, turning an evening of style and community into a meaningful investment in early childhood literacy.
All proceeds from the event directly benefit local children by funding access to books from birth to age five. Each donation of $150 provides a child with one book a month for five years. Over the past three years, the organization has distributed more than 60,000 books to children across Gaston County.
Funds also support the Reading Soul Mates program through the Gaston County Literacy Council. These are two initiatives dedicated to putting books into the hands (and homes) of young readers.
"What a worthy cause...It is our goal that every child in Gaston County shows up to school ready to learn when they enter kindergarten." - Andrea Stephens, President of the Gaston County United Way
This year's event featured a lineup of 35 purses, including 30 custom bags available through raffle and five luxury designer pieces in a silent auction. Guests mingled, placed their tickets, and cheered each other on, all while supporting a cause that makes a difference.
The room lit up with multiple familiar faces: Media Personality, Ramona Holloway, was the lead speaker at the event, while Miss North Carolina 2025, Sophia Kellstrom, helped present the purses with poise and grace.
And in true Southern Fashion, no tribute fundraiser would be complete without Dolly Parton herself. Denise Price Thomas brought out her pink wardrobe, big hair, and plenty of personality to channel her inner Dolly.
It's not just purses available for the raffle, it's everything inside the purse as well. In case you missed the 2026 annual Purse Power event, here is a look inside a couple of purses:
Hulken Medium Rolling Tote | Donated by: Food Lion | Package Value: $429 - This tote contained some on-the-go lunch containers, a $50 Thermal Circuit Spa gift certificate, a Daniel Stowe Conservancy Annual Family Membership, Shiele Museum Tickets, and more.
Barrel-Shaped Wicker Picnic Basket/Service for 4 | Donated by: Lisa Turney | Package Value: $611 - A cute picnic basket wouldn't be complete without picnic essentials such as a picnic blanket, a bottle of red wine, plates, glasses, and more.
As Romona Holloway read off the raffle ticket numbers, a wave of excitement swept through the room, with guests clutching their tickets in hopeful anticipation. Sophia Kellstrom and Denise Prince Thomas did an outstanding job of showcasing each purse, bringing warm, fun energy throughout the evening.
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After an eventful evening of raffling off purses, the Purse Power wrapped up by awarding five lucky members of the community with the Silent Auction Purses. Here is a glimpse of a few standout styles that found their way home that night:
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Louis Vuitton Speedy | Donated by: Women United - Comes with a Louis Vuitton Scarf attachment
Luxury Meets Art: A Curated Collector's Experience | Donated by: Audrey Gwillm - Along with a fashionable Louis Vuitton bag, an art piece by Stephen Wilson was included to add a touch of retail art.
Events like Purse Power don't happen without community support. This year's success was made possible through ongoing partnerships with Carolina Federal Credit Union, Cherryville Area Ministries, and various other organizations, ensuring that more local children have the tools they need to start their education with confidence and a good book in hand.
Did you attend the annual 2026 Purse Power event hosted by Gaston County United Way? Look for your photo in the gallery down below!
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