Power of The Purse 2022

Power of the Purse (POP) is the Otsego County United Way’s (OCUW) largest fundraiser. OCUW’s mission is, "Uniting Resources to Build a Stronger Community."

We are focused on helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) via emergency services and granting dollars to other nonprofit agencies. OCUW is also the volunteer hub of Otsego County operating the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Volunteer Center.

Our theme for POP this year is 50th Anniversary. Black, gold, and white colors, classy, elegant, the best way to celebrate OCUW's 50 years!

Our silent auction site will be full of purses, themed gifts, experiences, and other fun items. There is a wide range of pricing to meet everyone's desires. Kick off your 2022 holiday shopping with POP!

Please note: When buying auction items you can claim a charitable contribution deduction for the excess of the purchase price paid for an item over its fair market value. The sale of an item is considered unrelated, even though those monies go directly towards Otsego County United Way programs.

This year the Otsego County United Way (OCUW) celebrated our 50th Anniversary. Although needs have differed throughout the years, the one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to Otsego County. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, educating the children, or lessening the pain for a cancer patient, the OCUW has played a part. Through the dollars we receive or the volunteers we mobilize, the OCUW prides itself on being the missing piece of the puzzle.
Otsego County United Way’s mission to “unite resources to build a stronger community” has become even more evident in 2022. In the aftermath of the May tornado, we learned just how important that mantra really is. Gaylord Strong has been used to describe the community reaction to this tornado, and the OCUW is humbled and honored to work with the donors and volunteers who have begun the journey of rebuilding our community. Fueled by the generosity of local businesses and individual supporters like you, the United Way has provided services totaling over $200,000 and 3,000 volunteer hours to support tornado survivors.