Oct. 15, 2010 — On the heels of the new law raising the foster care emancipation age to 21, 250 women from across the region gathered in downtown Sacramento to raise funds that will prepare foster youth for emancipation. Foster the Future: An Event with United Way’s Women in Philanthropy took place Oct. 6 at the Sheraton Grand and included a panel of former foster youth speaking about their experiences, as well as a keynote presentation by Secretary of State Debra Bowen about her experience as a foster mother.

After her presentation, Bowen announced she would join Women in Philanthropy as a new member. United Way’s Women in Philanthropy brings women together to foster the future, preparing foster youth for a successful adulthood. A dynamic group of businesswomen, homemakers and community leaders, Women in Philanthropy members raise funds, hold drives and provide trainings focused on helping foster youth rise to their dreams. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/wip.
United Way California Capital Region is the region’s leading provider of innovative solutions on the community’s most pressing issues, including high school graduation rates, household financial stability and obesity. Working with other nonprofits, businesses, donors and volunteers, United Way provides positive, measurable results on vital health and human services issues. Through new and traditional fundraising and mobilization programs, community members can give, volunteer and advocate in support of the causes they care most about, benefiting United Way and hundreds of nonprofits in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. United Way is an independent, local affiliate of United Way Worldwide. ###