Contact: Michael G. Gaffney, APR
Vice President, Marketing
Office: 330-643-5532
Cell: 330-701-8080

Date: June 28, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY PRESENTS
‘THE POWER OF THE PURSE’


(AKRON, OHIO) – The Women’s Leadership Giving Society of United Way of Summit County is presenting a luncheon entitled “The Power of The Purse,” at the Martin University Center on the campus of The University of Akron, 105 Fir Hill, on Wednesday, July 11, 2007. The festivities will begin with a Punch Bowl at 11:00 a.m. and lunch at 11:45 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Barbara D. Mathews.

Ms. Mathews, recently retired from FirstMerit Bank as Senior Vice President-Manager of Public Affairs, is an exceptional local philanthropist who has given concrete expression to the values at the heart of the Women’s Leadership Giving Society. A United Way supporter for many years, she has been chair of FirstMerit Bank’s employee campaign, a past chair of United Way’s Torch Society and a member of United Way’s Dorothy O. Jackson Society.

Ms. Mathews made significant and enduring contributions to our community’s philanthropic efforts when she was very involved in three different community-wide partnership fundraising efforts; The Fire Truck Fund, the Tsunami Relief Fund and the Hurricane Katrina Recovery Fund. In addition to her time with FirstMerit, she also had a distinguished 30-year career with the Akron Public Schools as a teacher, principal and administrator.

The Power of the Purse luncheon will also feature the presentation of the ‘Woman Philanthropist of the Year’ award to Elizabeth Z. Bartz, and an introduction to the Women’s Leadership Giving Society’s new initiative, Born Learning.

The goal of The Women’s Leadership Giving Society is to encourage, educate and energize women in the ways of philanthropy to make a difference in the community. Cost for the luncheon is $20.00 per person or a table of 8 for $150, and those interested can call (330) 643-5533 for more information.

United Way of Summit County improves lives by mobilizing community assets for health and human services. For more information on any program or to volunteer, call the United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at www.uwsummit.org, or write to us at United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect St., P.O. Box 1260, Akron, Ohio 44309-1260.