Recognizing her as a pillar of the Toledo community and a woman who inspires others to be their best selves, United Way of Lewis County has selected Cyndi Philbrook as the 2024 Woman of Distinction.
The award, presented annually during United Way of Lewis County’s Power of the Purse event, recognizes local women who exhibit leadership, compassion and commitment to serving those in need within Lewis County.
“I just think it’s really important for all of us, especially with the climate we have right now, just to make sure that each day we put a smile on somebody’s face and we 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, which was held Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Centralia College’s TransAlta Commons.
The event’s theme was “Kentucky Derby.”
Philbrook was recognized Tuesday alongside past Woman of Distinction winners 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 the latest initiative by United Way of Lewis County affiliate group Women United: “Fresh as a Daisy,” which aims to connect local students with needed hygiene items.
“Local school districts have expressed a need for basic hygiene items as demand has risen and students are using school facilities to shower due to a lack of resources at home,” Women United said in a news release ahead of Tuesday’s event. “School staff have been trying to keep up with demand for soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste and deodorant, supplying these items to students out-of-pocket.”
Power of the Purse attendees who donated items to Fresh as a Daisy or to “Supplies Period,” another Women United program aimed at addressing period poverty, were entered into a raffle for a new handbag and other items.
All proceeds from Power of the Purse go toward funding United Way’s poverty reduction efforts in Lewis County, according to a news release.
“United Way does this event to celebrate the power and vision of directed women and to bring us together in support of our community,” said United Way of Lewis County Executive Director Annie Oien on Tuesday. “Yes, we are here to have fun, socialize and hope to win amazing purses, but this is so much more. We are here to celebrate the collective heart of women, and that our influence, impact and passion are real.”
This year’s event sponsors included Pacific Mobile Structures, Washington State Employees Credit Union, TwinStar Credit Union, Columbia Crest Financial Advisors and Vanessa Horning with 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/.
