10/16/2026
What a wonderful evening at Power of the Purse! Thank you to everyone who joined us last night as we celebrated four remarkable women who were honored with a Dream, Achieve, Inspire Award sponsored by Baird.
Each of these women faced challenges and found a way to turn her experiences into something meaningful, creating opportunities, offering support, and making a difference in the lives of others.
Please join us in congratulating this year's honorees:
Phillis Becker – Deacon & Confirmation Teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church in. Herkimer
Hayley Mielnicki Abdou – Registered Dietitian & Nutritionist, Food Service Director at OHM BOCES
Gabrielle Flihan – Regional Director of Client Care at Daughter for Hire
Kayleigh Bisson – President & Founder of the E.K. B.L.O.O.M. Foundation
Their stories remind us that even through life's challenges, we have the power to lift others up and create lasting change in our communities. Congratulations to all four women on this well-deserved recognition!
A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors for making this special evening possible. Your support helps us continue our mission of empowering women and girls throughout Herkimer and Oneida Counties.
Diamond Sponsors: Baird, Upmobility Foundation
Platinum Sponsor: Bank of Utica
Gold Sponsors: Dr. Robert Dell in memory of Laraine Dell, Excellus, Townsquare Media
Silver Sponsors: In memory of Bonnie Woods, PJ Green, Stewarts
Bronze Sponsors: Americu, Caruso McLean, Clifford Fuel Co, CRM Rental Management, Getnick, Livingston, Atkinson & Priore, MVHS, RCIL, Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Strategic Financial Services, Utica First Insurance Company, Wilcor International
Supporters: Burrows Foundation, Fred F. Collis & Sons, Liberty Tabletop, McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn Kowalczyk Funeral Directors, NYCM, Pulver Roofing, Steet Toyota, U. Tel Communications