WORCESTER, Mass. - An organization in Central Massachusetts is holding its first in-person fundraiser in more than a year to support programs for young women.

The Women's Initiative at the United Way of Central Massachusetts hosts its 4th Annual Power of the Purse event on Tuesday night. 

They'll hold a silent and live auction to raise money for the Women's Initiative, which engages women in leadership to support programs for middle school girls.

"Many women remember that as a very challenging time and it's about giving back, supporting those girls to be successful for their future," Director of Women’s Initiative at the United Way of Central Massachusetts, Emily McCann said. "We support mentoring programs, programs that provide financial literacy training and skills for girls and really helping to build their confidence and put them on the right path for high school and beyond."

"It's really important because it's really tied to our mission," said Sherri Pitcher, Senior VP/Senior Life Design officer at Fidelity Bank. "We have our own women's initiative programming like our dollar scholars program and we also support funded programs through our agency partners like Girls Inc. and it's really really important for us to fund those programs who support middle school girls.”

Tickets are available on the Women's Initiative website. The event will be in person tonight at the AC Marriot from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., they will also have a zoom link available.