United Way gathers women in Sacramento event

Women across the greater Sacramento region are invited to "Innovate and Ignite" - United Way California Capital Region's Women United fall fundraiser on Oct. 8. The event raises funds for the local United Way's foster youth initiatives and will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Cannery Place, 1601 Alhambra Blvd, Suite 200, in Sacramento. It will include charcuterie, wine and networking. Tickets are $65 per person. The fundraiser also will feature an interactive fireside chat with local women leaders: Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region; Lora Anguay, CEO and general manager, SMUD; and Mary Daffin, co-owner, The Jacquelyn, with emcee Brandi Cummings, anchor and reporter, KCRA3. "When women come together, we do more than share ideas, we create pathways for others to thrive," said Early. "Every young person deserves the chance to dream boldly and pursue their future with confidence. By investing in foster youth today, we are helping build a stronger, more connected community where everyone has the opportunity to rise, lead and succeed." The local United Way's Women United describes itself as a philanthropic network of more than 250 women who leverage their passions, ideas, expertise and resources to ensure foster youth are prepared for success in adulthood. Since its inception in 2002, Women United has raised more than $2 million to help foster youth gain key skills and education to succeed. Through their initiative, the Collegiate Guaranteed Income Program, 20 former foster youth studying at Sacramento State and UC Davis receive $500 per month for one year, along with access to mentorship, financial coaching, digital tools and wraparound support, so students can cover basic needs like rent, groceries and transportation while focusing on their education. For more information and to get involved: www.YourLocalUnitedWay.org/Get-Involved/Women-United. For more than 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has mobilized communities across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties to create opportunities for children and families. Programs focus on youth opportunity, housing stability, financial security and community resilience. For tickets to Innovate and Ignite go to http://uwccr.org/InnovateandIgnite.