Local residents can help foster youth blossom at United Way’s 11th Annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the Crocker Art Museum. The flower-themed event will include a fashion show, gourmet lunch and book signing and presentation by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, author of “The Language of Flowers.” United Way’s Women in Philanthropy members also will discuss their work supporting financial literacy courses and a matched savings program for foster youth.

Tickets are $100. Guests also can donate $100 to have a foster youth participating in the fashion show keep her ensemble. To purchase tickets, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/wiplunch.

“Books, art, fashion and food will come together at this beautiful event to raise funds to support local foster youth,” said Lisa Watts, chair, United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. “This is such a great opportunity for women to come together and make a difference in our community.”

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. The group also is a partner in United Way’s $en$e-Ability project, helping foster youth become financially self-sufficient through financial literacy courses and individual development accounts that provide a matched savings program. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/wip.