3-20-2024 11:06am

The Power of the Purse Women of the Year Alfreda Rooks

Ypsilanti PressLLC Editor

5:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20
Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive in Ann Arbor

Tickets to attend United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 16th annual Power of the Purse, presented by Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, are sold out. But if you don’t have your ticket, don’t worry — you can still bid on purses with an online bidder ticket!

Donated handbags for auction include local handmade, high-end purses and everything in between for any look or occasion. Power of the Purse is about more than just stylish handbags, it’s about people. Funds raised will be reinvested back into community organizations supporting financial stability for local women in need.

During the event, we’ll honor 2024 Washtenaw Woman of the Year Alfreda Rooks! Alfreda is Michigan Medicine Director of Community Health Services and has more than 20 years of experience in health care program leadership. She was chosen by the Power of the Purse committee for her commitment to the community and her accomplishments in business innovation, the local food system, and community philanthropy and volunteerism.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from United Way,” says Rooks. “I believe that because of what I have been given, it is expected that I will give back. That is what comes with the seat that I sit in, where I am at in the generations of the family. It’s not just about giving back to my family, but it is giving back to make whatever little corner of the world I have a little bit better.”

“When I think about being in and giving back to community, it’s not so much of a give back, it’s a mutually beneficial exchange. Everybody I come into contact with I learn from and even though I may give them something, I’m getting back more than I give.”

Tickets to attend the event are sold out, but you can still bid on purses from the comfort of your home! Click the button below to buy your online bidder ticket today.