Mark your calendars and grab your pocketbooks (and get ready to buy some new ones!) for the 2026 McDonough County United Way’s annual Power of the Purse, Friday and Saturday, March 27-28, at Park Place in downtown Macomb. Tickets go on sale at noon on Friday, Feb. 27.
Billed as the “Ultimate Girls’ Night Out,” the VIP Live Auction event will take place Saturday, March 28 from 6-9 p.m. at Park Place, featuring purses, beverages, snacks and high-energy excitement, according to United Way Executive Director Courtney Powelson. Very limited six-person VIP tables will be available for $300 per table beginning promptly at noon on Feb. 27 at mcdonoughcountyunitedway. square.site/. The ticket link will also be shared on the McDonough County United Way's Facebook page.
Returning for 2026 is a fan-favorite from the early years of Power of the Purse: individual chair seating. A limited number (48) of individual seats will be available for $50 each. Powelson added she anticipates the individual seats will sell quickly when tickets go live at noon Feb. 27. The $50 individual ticket includes event admission, one reserved chair at the live auction, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and water), desserts, entertainment and a picture-perfect photobooth.
In addition to tables and individual seating, attendees can also look forward to the return of the popular Power of the Punch board, where each punch guarantees an item valued at $25 or more.
Friday, March 27 will feature the Petite Power of the Purse from 5-7 p.m. at Park Place. Admission is $10 at the door, and children 12 and under attend for free. All proceeds from Petite Power of the Purse support United Way’s Imagination Book Club initiative, which provides free children’s books each month to families throughout McDonough County. Each child in attendance will leave with a free book to take home.
This year's Petite Power of the Purse theme is “Wicked,” inviting attendees to think Glinda and Elphaba for a magical, fun-filled evening. The event will feature kid focused silent auction baskets (each including a book and other goodies), Petite Punch board and interactive stations including “PACKed with PURSE-onality,” where children can design and personalize their own bag with patches.
Families planning to attend Petite Power of the Purse are invited to stop by 2DYE4 Hair & Co. between 2-4:15 p.m. Friday, March 27 for complimentary hair curling and tinsel before heading to the event. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. The salon team will also be onsite Friday evening offering a tinsel station for children at the event. Those attending the VIP Live Auction on Saturday, March 28 can also schedule a hair or makeup appointment at 2DYE4 Hair & Co., with 10 percent of services that day donated back to McDonough County United Way. To book, text (309) 714-3461.
Attendees at both Friday and Saturday events can participate in the Books & Bags Raffle, featuring themed purse-and-book packages paired with coordinating accessories.
Since its start in 2010, Power of the Purse has raised nearly $500,000 to support programs strengthening health, education and financial stability for McDonough County residents. The event remains McDonough County United Way’s largest annual fundraiser.
Professional auctioneer Kyle Kelso will return to lead the live auction on Saturday evening. Real-time online bidding will also be available during the March 28 event, allowing additional participation beyond those attending in person.
'While there is no specific theme for the Saturday VIP Live Auction, we encourage guests to enjoy the premier girls’ night out experience. Dress up, gather friends and enjoy an unforgettable evening in support of local impact,' Powelson said. 'We remain so grateful for the tremendous community support behind the event, with several dozens of local businesses serving as sponsors.'
Businesses, organizations, individuals interested in sponsoring, donating items, or volunteering can contact McDonough County United Way at [email protected] or (309) 8379180 for more information.
