United Way Names Lynn Braun ‘Woman of Excellence’ at Power of the Purse Event

Posted

United Way of Lewis County’s 16th annual “Power of the Purse” event was held Tuesday night at the Barn on Jackson Highway.

This event celebrates the contributions of women in the community and raises funds for the charity. For eight years, United Way has used the opportunity to name the recipient of their “Woman of Excellence” award.

“This award is all about what this person does for United Way,” United Way Executive Director Debbie Campbell said. “The recipient demonstrates an unwavering passion and commitment for causes in our community. She’s a role model.”

This year, Campbell passed the award to board member Lynn Braun.

“(Braun) embodies the term ‘servant leader,’” Campbell said.

Alongside her philanthropic work, Braun works for Cardinal Glass and is a mother to two adult children. She has been with United Way of Lewis County for six years, during which she has been an active member of the nonprofit, working on food drives and the “Coats for Kids” program.

“I look at the table of most of the recipients over there and I’m just honored to be included with all of you. You’re my heroes. My mom was a huge giver. She taught me early on that volunteering was our responsibility to make our communities better,” Braun said after she was named Woman of Excellence. “It’s a pleasure to work with everyone at United Way.”



Past recipients of the award have been Doris Wood-Brumsickle, Rev. Alta Smith, Donna Olson, Maretta Bowes, Angela DuPont, Sue Muller and Charmaine Gill.

Campbell was also honored at the event for her 23 years with United Way of Lewis County. She will retire from her position as director later this year.

About United Way

United Way of Lewis County’s goal is to lift 30% of families out of poverty by the year 2030. The organization pursues this through programs such as Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which mails children books for free every month, and through the Visiting Nurses Career Closet, providing gently used professional clothing to folks who can’t afford it elsewhere.

Recently, the nonprofit set its sights on increasing opportunities for early childhood education in Lewis County through the ground-breaking of an early learning center in downtown Centralia on June 8.

United Way’s next event, “Chef’s Night Out,” will take place on Sept. 18 at the Jester Auto Museum and Event Center, 321 Hamilton Road, Chehalis.