Walking through displays full of dazzling designer handbags, custom local artisanal jewelry, and fresh spring florals, you might expect to be in a high-end boutique. But this is United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Purses for Promise event, hosted by Women United and presented by Black & Veatch.
Women United’s mission is to advance early learning across the greater Kansas City community through fundraising, advocacy and volunteerism. There are 635 members, each of whom pledge at least $1000 to United Way annually. Purses for Promise is its annual signature event: a purse-based silent auction, wine pull and social affair. Each year, it selects a United Way nonprofit partner as its beneficiary. Funds raised during the 2026 event supported Growing Futures Early Education Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
“Collective giving makes a meaningful difference. It brings different voices to the table and builds a sense of community. It shows philanthropy can be for all, not just a few,” said event chair, Nikki Meek, who is also Senior Director of Brand Experiences for Hallmark. “That is the heart of Women United—a group of women in our city with the same passions, who want to give back and make an impact.”
From pregnancy through preschool, Growing Futures partners with families to build strong foundations. Nearly 90% of a child’s brain development happens before the age of five, making the early years critical for shaping their future. Growing Futures provides home-based family education programming, a Head Start Center, and wrap-around supports.
“We know when our families are supported, our kids will be supported. They will be happy. They will be well-fed. They can learn when they are supported at home,” said Tanesha Thompson, Growing Futures Early Education Center Program Director.
Quentella Neal has been receiving services from Growing Futures since she was pregnant with her now nine-month-old daughter, Evangeline.
“While she wasn’t something I planned for, my daughter has been a blessing to me and my family,” Quentella said. “I knew this was not going to be an easy journey. I didn’t know how I was going to become a mother—let alone a single mom.”
A friend told her about Growing Futures. She’s been receiving home-based services ever since. From planning for her daughter’s arrival, to navigating postpartum depression and anxiety, to understanding critical milestone’s in Evangeline’s development, Growing Futures has been there every step of the way.
“Growing Futures has been nothing but supportive and nonjudgmental about my situation,” Neal shared. “Whether it’s diapers, wipes, or an emergency pump delivery---any time I need support, they are there for me.”
Over the past five years, Women United, through Purses for Promise, has invested more than $500,000 into early childhood learning and literacy programming in the Kansas City region.
“Being a mother is hard. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s the toughest and best job I’ve had in my entire life. I love my daughter so much,” Quentella said. “I’m so grateful for support from my family, and that includes my Growing Futures family, and by extension, my United Way family, for genuinely caring.”
Women United hosts its annual Refresh a Classroom event to support early learning centers in the Kansas City, Mo. Public School District this August. To learn more about its mission, membership and volunteerism, visit unitedwaygkc.org or contact Amanda.Swanson@uwgkc.org.
We know when our families are supported, our kids will be supported.
Collective giving makes a meaningful difference. It brings different voices to the table and builds a sense of community. It shows philanthropy can be for all, not just a few.