More than 300 Austin women, outfitted in their loveliest spring attire, filled the Branch Park Pavilion for United Way for Greater Austin’s (UW) annual Gathering for Good luncheon, hosted by Women United. The celebratory afternoon highlighted the power of collaboration in creating opportunities for women, children, and families across Central Texas.
Guests were seated at beautifully decorated tables showcasing spring’s finest blooms. The luncheon featured delicious, fresh salads, refreshing drinks, and an inspiring program filled with uplifting stories and meaningful conversations.
Kate and Scott Powers served as event chairs, helping showcase how UW and its partners are breaking down barriers and ensuring that every Central Texan has the resources and support needed to thrive.
A highlight of the afternoon was a fireside chat with Denise Davis, Austin Chamber of Commerce Board Chair; Denisse Baldwin, UW Associate Vice President for Early Learning and Advancement; and Maria Dominguez, Preschool Director at Cielito Lindo Spanish Immersion Center, a UW partner. The conversation explored the connection between childcare and economic advancement and the importance of investing in childhood education, which serves as a catalyst for future success in the region’s labor force.
“We are the workforce behind the workforce. When children have safe, loving, nurturing care, families can stay stable and businesses can stay strong,” said Dominguez. “If we don’t have consistency for our children, then families can’t stay stable and businesses can’t stay strong.”
The afternoon also featured raffle prizes from local women-owned and women-led businesses, including yoga memberships, spa packages, jewelry, and more. A photo booth offered fun moments of connection, and Typewriter Rodeo delighted guests with spontaneous, custom poems typed on on retro typewriters, adding whimsy to the day and providing guests with creative mementos of a lovely spring afternoon.
Women United is a vibrant, women-driven philanthropic network dedicated to creating lasting change in our community by improving the lives of women, children, and families.
For additional information, visit unitedwayaustin.org.
Photo credit–Erika Rich
