Volusia Power of the Purse Brings Together Leaders, Philanthropists, and Volunteers for 22nd Year
Carrie Torres Shares Provision Packs Story during Power of the Purse Volusia 2025
More than 350 community leaders, philanthropists, and volunteers gathered on Friday, August 22nd, at The Shores Resort & Spa for the 22nd Annual Power of the Purse, hosted by Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties’ Women United Volusia. The annual fundraising event not only highlights the strength and leadership of women in the community but also raises vital funds to support families who fall within United Way’s ALICE population — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.
“This event is more than a fundraiser,” said Power of the Purse co-chair Goddess Lawrence. “It’s a celebration of strength, resilience, and leadership of women in our community. Every dollar raised represents a step forward for someone who may be struggling.”
Each year, Power of the Purse directs its proceeds toward programs and nonprofits that create long-term impact in Volusia and Flagler Counties. Over the past year, Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF UWVFC) invested over $2.4 million into 112 local nonprofits, helping families access food, shelter, education, and stability.
This year’s keynote was delivered by Carrie Torres, founder of Provision Packs, a nonprofit that provides weekly food to more than 1,000 children across 20 schools in the region. Torres shared how working with CF UWVFC helped establish the Lightnin’ Epton Legacy Endowment Fund, ensuring her organization’s mission will continue for years to come.
“Power of the Purse is always an inspiring reminder of what happens when women come together to create change. This year’s success not only raised critical support for local families, but also highlighted the impact of the new Provision Packs Lightnin’ Epton Legacy Fund.” said Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO of CF UWVFC. “By establishing this endowment, Provision Packs is ensuring their mission to feed children will continue for generations to come—and that’s the kind of long-term impact this community can be proud of.”
Power of the Purse is the signature event of Women United, an affinity group of CF UWVFC dedicated to harnessing the power and passion of women to drive lasting change. Volunteers and donors with Women United contribute year-round, addressing immediate needs while also investing in systemic solutions to lift families out of hardship.
“It’s about creating lasting change in the lives of women and families right here in our community,” said Power of the Purse co-chair Carleen Leffler. “Power of the Purse is a celebration, but it’s so much more. It is a call to action.”
The 22nd Annual Power of the Purse demonstrated the transformational impact that is possible when women lead, businesses give, and the community comes together.
To give to the Provision Packs Lightnin’ Epton Legacy Fund visit: https://bit.ly/LightninEpton.
For more information about the fund or partnership, please contact:
Emmanuel Kamel
Development Support Specialist, Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties
[email protected] | 386-405-5745
