COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The 11th annual Branch County United Way Power of the Purse event drew another large crowd on Saturday at the Dearth Community Center.
The total amount of money raised is expected to be announced later this week after last year’s event raised a record amount of over $67,100 for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and other Branch County United Way agencies
Numerous local businesses get involved as sponsors or have their employees serve as volunteers. Only women are allowed to attend the event which is divided up into a lunch and dinner.
The two local women who were honored as the Women of the Year this year were Jacinda Locke and Patti Gibson.
Willows Bar and Grill owner Kathy Baird was honored as the 2025 Power of the Purse Woman of the Year in Business.
The Power of the Purse funds the Branch County United Way effort to supply free books to area children from birth to age five.



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