By Emily Fitzgerald / [email protected]
In recognition of her role as a pillar of the Toledo community and as a woman who inspires others to be their best, the United Way of Lewis County has named Cyndi Philbrook its 2024 Outstanding Woman of the Year.
The award is presented annually at the United Way of Lewis County’s Power of the Purse event and recognizes local women who demonstrate leadership, compassion and commitment to helping those in need in Lewis County.
“I just think it’s really important for all of us, especially given the climate we’re in right now, to make sure that we put a smile on someone’s face every day and do what we can to make the world a little bit better every day,” Philbrook said. during her acceptance speech at this year’s Power of the Purse event, held on Tuesday, August 6, at Centralia College’s TransAlta Commons.
The theme of the event was “Kentucky Derby.”
Philbrook was honored Tuesday along with previous Woman of Distinction recipients Amber Buck, Kelly Smith Johnston, Charmaine Gill, Sue Muller, Angela DuPont, Donna Olson, Maretta Boes, Alta Smith and Doris Brumsickle.
Tuesday’s event also marked the launch of United Way of Lewis County affiliate Women United’s newest initiative, “Fresh as a Daisy,” which aims to provide local students with needed hygiene supplies.
“Local school districts have expressed a need for basic hygiene items as demand has increased and students are using school facilities to shower due to a lack of resources at home,” Women United said in a press release ahead of Tuesday’s event. “School staff have been trying to keep up with demand for soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant and supplying these items to students out of their own pockets.”
Power of the Purse participants who donated items to Fresh as a Daisy or Supplies Period, another Women United program to combat period poverty, were entered into a drawing to win a new handbag and other items.
All proceeds from Power of the Purse go to fund United Way’s poverty alleviation efforts in Lewis County, a press release said.
“United Way hosts this event to celebrate the power and vision of purposeful women and to bring us together in support of our community,” Annie Oien, executive director of United Way of Lewis County, said Tuesday. “Yes, we’re here to have fun, network and hope to win amazing prizes, but this is so much more. We’re here to celebrate the collective heart of women and to show that our influence, impact and passion are real.”
Sponsors for this year’s event included Pacific Mobile Structures, Washington State Employees Credit Union, TwinStar Credit Union, Columbia Crest Financial Advisors and Vanessa Horning of Edward Jones.
For more information about United Way of Lewis County, Women United and the Supplies Period and Fresh as a Daisy programs, visit https://www.lewiscountyuw.com/.
