By Pat Beldon, WLI President 

WLI Chair, Pat Beldon (right) and Founder Betsy Torrence (left)

We at WLI often talk about the Power of the Purse -and for each of us this has a different meaning.  Among the obvious is the value of the money therein, but, as women, we know our purses represent much more - this is our toolbox and each of us carries and uses different tools in making her way (and the way for others) over, under and through the challenges of life.  As members of WLI, we have - and can share with the community - the variety of tools, talents and treasure in our purses to aid women and children as they build, fill and share the purses of their future world.

2010 - 2011 has been a great year for assembling purses. 

· We've added 42 to our member roles this campaign year, bringing our total to...

· 118 members (a record!)

· We have met and exceeded our fundraising goal of $104,000, raising over $109,000 in memberships alone.

This means:

· we will continue to fund our current (and final) cohort of women working in early childhood education and earning their BA degrees

· we will continue to support reading enhancement programs at Central Elementary School in Allentown

· and we can anticipate future growth in both members and dollars to support the
 educational needs of the youth who are our future and the future of our community

Thank you, each and every one of you.  All who give and all who bring other purses to our power.