United Way group raises over $25,000

United Way of Lake County’s Women’s Leadership Council raised a record $26,709 at its recent sixth annual Women’s Winterfest and Holiday Food Tasting Fundraiser.

The fundraiser raised $7,398 over last year’s event and more than double the amount raised in 2015, according to the news release.

“The popularity of the event continues to grow every year,” said Winterfest event chair Kathleen Buse of Advancing Women in STEM.

“Last year the event sold out in two weeks so we moved venues this year to accommodate the increased demand for tickets. As a result, we were able to welcome nearly 120 additional guests this year at the American-Croatian Lodge in Eastlake.”

Maureen Pross of Lake Health said the purpose is to positively impact the lives of women and girls through the philanthropic efforts of giving, advocating and volunteering.

“The funds raised from this event will be used to support our grant awards program,” said Pross, who is also the UWLC chair. “We believe that addressing the most critical needs of women and girls lifts the community as a whole and creates a better life for us all.”

Over the past three years the UWLC Women’s Leadership Council has awarded a total of over $57,151 in grants to local non-profits for programs which closely align with their mission, the news release also states.

This year’s Winterfest featured a large Chinese auction, a wine pull, door prizes and food tastings from a large variety of local restaurants. UWLC Marketing and Communications Director Tami Lewis said the major draw of the evening was the quality and variety of food offered.

A total of 16 area restaurants participated in the event two venues provided food trays.

“The food was delicious and there was so much to choose from,” Lewis said.

“We are very appreciative of all the restaurants that came out in support of our community. It’s a real feel good event and they are a big part of this.”

Event sponsors included The Lubrizol Corporation, Huntington, Vanek Plastic Surgery, Stanley Steemer, Lake Health, FirstEnergy and The News-Herald.

UWLC’s Women’s Leadership Council welcomes new members. For more information, visit uwlc.org/wlc, call 440-639-1082 or email community@uwlc.org.

COURTESY OF KAT KURKOV Women’s Winterfest attendees dine during the Dec. 7 event at the American-Croatian Lodge in Eastlake.