Handbag auction assisting Salvation Army programs

2011-10-20T00:43:14Z

More than 200 handbags were up for grabs during the October 15 Helping Handbags luncheon and auction.

Hosted by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, a volunteer group made of local business women and retirees, the event had nearly 500 attendees pack the Radisson Hotel grand ballroom to check out the seventh annual live and silent auctions.

“It exceeded my dreams,” said Laurel Speier, Helping Handbags event chairperson. “You could see the ladies here in attendance had a lot of fun.”

More than $75,000 was raised. All of the proceeds will go to Salvation Army’s programs for women and children in the Sacramento area.

“Many of us here are blessed to have (comfortable) lives,” Speier said, “To not give back would be a travesty. “

Some notable items were auctioned off included: Valentino, Coach, and Michael Kors. A handbag donated by singer Linda Ronstandt was also included in the auction.

Disclosure: Syd Fong is the public relations director for The Salvation Army of Sacramento County. For more information about The Salvation Army, log onto www.salarmysacto.org or join the facebook page www.facebook.com/salvationarmysacramento

Handbag Fundraiser Helping Salvation Army Programs

2010-10-20T17:54:54Z

“I was thrilled. I called my husband immediately.”

That is the reaction Sacramento resident Cindy Nelson had after she outbid other ladies for a Ferragamo handbag during the live auction portion at the sixth annual Salvation Army Helping Handbag luncheon on October 16.

Nelson was one of nearly 400 attendees who came to the Radisson Hotel for the annual fundraiser.

“We have more ladies than in years past,” Major Colleen Riley, Salvation Army Divisional Director of women’s ministries and Women’s Auxiliary representative. “The event was well organized and the ladies were excited to bid on the purses.”

More than 200 items were offered during the event’s live and silent auctions, including designer handbags, local celebrities’ gently-used purses, donated gift certificates, and items given by local businesses. Some notable items that auctioned off at Helping Handbags included items donated by singer Linda Ronstandt, District Attorney Jan Scully and community leader Joyce Raley Reel.

In all, Helping Handbags grossed more than $40,000. Proceeds from the luncheon will go toward Salvation Army’s programs for women and children in the Sacramento area.

“We’re obviously supporting a great charity,” Nelson said. “It’s a lot fun, you meet lots of nice ladies, you see some familiar faces, and hear a great testimony.”

The luncheon fundraiser was organized by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, a volunteer program made up of a group of local business women who believe in the mission of The Salvation Army, and donate their time and financial support to develop fund raising events like Helping Handbags.

“Behind the scenes, a lot of women put in many hours to organize this incredible event,” Major Riley said. “They truly put their heart and soul into this one.”

Syd Fong is the public relations director for The Salvation Army. For more information about The Salvation Army, please log onto www.salarmysacto.org

Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "handbags"

Handbag auction assisting Salvation Army programs

Handbag Fundraiser Helping Salvation Army Programs