Sioux Empire United Way's
4th Annual
WomenUnite! Event

WomenUnite! Event guests listen to keynote speaker Paula Statman.

What
Our 4th Annual WomenUnite! Luncheon Event occurred on July 30, 2008 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. This year’s event provided an atmosphere that inspired and united women behind a cause they can directly relate to. This year’s event focused on connecting women to the importance of quality early education and more specifically the Family Foundations initiative.

Why
Women enjoy the company of other women and thrive in supportive and safe environments. Additionally, research has shown that when donating to a philanthropic cause women want to know where their money is going, feel an emotional connection, and be involved with the issue. Women were connected to a woman’s issue and were offered the opportunity to aid Sioux Empire United Way through a donation. Women who attended the event were also inspired to give or increase their gift, while becoming connected to United Way and the new parenting program initiative. These individuals are now able to effectively communicate the new program which will inspire those around them to do the same.

Foundations for Families
The early years of a child’s life are critical for optimal development and provide the foundation for success in school and in life. Researchers know that 85 percent of the brain’s development takes place from birth through age three. Children need to be cared for and stimulated during the early years of their lives to obtain lifelong success.

Research also shows that children’s social experiences and opportunities to explore the world depend on the love and care they receive. A loving, nurturing relationship enhances emotional development and mental health. Children who begin their lives with the essential foundation of a secure attachment have better self-esteem, ability to handle stress, relationships with parents and authority figures, behaviors and academic success in school and relations with their own children. Nurturing relationships teach children how to treat others and help them to feel valued. Parents are their children’s first and most influential teacher. A parent can provide the positive examples, guidance, clear rules, and love necessary to help their child grow to become a healthy individual.

Sioux Empire United Way has partnered with the Sioux Falls School District to provide families with neighborhood support groups. Parents of children from birth to kindergarten will meet twice a month at their neighborhood elementary school. Families will have a meal together, participate in educational activities with their children, and support each other by sharing their successes and challenges.

WomenUnite! Volunteer Co-Chair and Sioux Empire United Way
Resource Development Director Cindy Elifrits express their gratitude
for the generosity of the attendees.

Last Year’s Success
Last July, over 600 women came together to change the lives of children in our community at the 3rd Annual WomenUnite! Event. They had the opportunity to listen to speakers, network with other women, and learn about the United Way and the Starting Strong program. The event raised over $16,000 for the 2008 Sioux Empire United Way Campaign, and 19 women became Heart Club members at the event with a pledge of $500 or more. Additionally, the women’s determination to provide all children the opportunity to attend preschool caught on in the community. We met and exceeded our 2008 United Way goal of $8.6 million giving us the opportunity to start the Starting Strong preschool program.

Strong Start Provided
During the fall of 2007, 85 three year olds started preschool through Starting Strong. This program will provide over 200 at-risk children the opportunity to attend a quality preschool program before 2010. The program is a partnership of Sioux Empire United Way, Forward Sioux Falls, and Governor Rounds’ 2010 Education Initiative. It is facilitated through the Sioux Falls School District and currently five local providers are accepting children through Starting Strong. Research shows that children who participate in preschool are more likely to graduate from high school, are less likely to be placed in jail, and are more likely to have higher earnings than children who do not attend preschool.
 

Click here to view a video from the event about Sioux Empire families!

Past Success of Event

Receive More Information

Table Host Information

 
hits since 3/1/06