THE 2026 POWER OF YOUR PURSE GALA is sold out!
Although the gala is sold out, there are still opportunities for you to be part of the excitement. The silent auction opens on May 5 and we welcome virtual bidding. Follow us on social media for details. Proceeds from the silent auction and paddle raise support the Promise Baby & You program and Deborah S. Bayle Scholarship Fund.
Rooted in Purpose
This year’s theme, Rooted in Purpose, celebrates the resilience and vision that inspires our work. Even as we grow, innovate, and rise to meet the evolving needs of our community, our mission remains a steady foundation that guides us forward. Together, we are united by a shared vision, and when we stand rooted in purpose, there is no limit to the impact we can create.
Power of Your Purse
Friday, May 8, 2026
Asher Adams Hotel | 2 South 400 West | Salt Lake City
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Cocktail hour and silent auction
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. | Seated dinner and program
Cecilia Gutierrez | Keynote Speaker
We’re honored to welcome our gala keynote speaker, Cecilia Gutierrez, Managing Director at Blue Meridian Partners. Cecilia leads strategy and execution across key initiatives that expand Blue Meridian’s philanthropic investments. Previously, she served in a key leadership role at the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and served for five years as President & CEO of the Miami Children’s Initiative.
This year’s theme, Rooted in Purpose, celebrates the resilience and vision that inspires our work. Cecilia will share her powerful personal and professional journeys and share insight into what it takes to strengthen entire communities—so more kids and families have access to basic needs, high-quality education, and the opportunities that lead to lasting economic mobility.
Deanie Wimmer | Emcee
Deanie co-anchors KSL News and is an Emmy Award–winning reporter who covers education. She has been a supporter and member of Women United for more than 20 years.
Jennifer Williams | Speaker
Jennifer Williams is the Baby & You Facilitator for Davis School District. She is a former elementary school teacher and mother of five who holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from the University of Missouri. Jennifer is passionate about literacy and loves helping families support their children’s learning from the earliest years.
Women United: Purpose in Action
The Power of Your Purse Gala champions United Way of Salt Lake’s vision of 100% of Utah kids and families thriving.
This year, the silent auction and paddle raise will support Women United’s two priority programs: Promise Baby & You and the Deborah S. Bayle Scholarship Fund for Youth. These two programs are vital to local students’ education journeys.
Please join United Way of Salt Lake and Women United as we share inspiring stories and opportunities for you to make a difference by helping build a foundation of opportunity for every Utahn.
Interested in becoming an event sponsor?
Contact Adrienne Smith at adrienne.smith@uw.org for more details.
For information about donating silent auction items, contact Megan Dunn at megan.dunn@uw.org.
