Montgomery - The second annual Power of the Purse event was an overwhelming success as more than 150 women bid on designer and vintage handbags and prizes, raising more than $17,000 for the Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund on April 24th. The money raised will be added to the Women’s Leadership Fund grant pool for programs that promote the financial independence of women and girls in Orange County.
The evening wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of major sponsors. Community support from merchants, artisans, and individual donors also contributed to the success of the evening by generously donating a wide selection of purses, luggage, accessories, and other gifts to suit every taste.
Over 100 purses from major designers such as Kate Spade, Coach, Brighton, Be&D, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cole Haan and more were enthusiastically bid on in a series of live and silent auctions. A grand prize, winner-take-all, drawing was held for a gift basket containing thirteen bags, gift certificates, and accessories. Models for the live auction items were Warwick Valley High School students who gave up their Friday night to join the fun and boosted the energy level of the event with their smiles and style.
Special guest emcee Kimberly Kay of Star 93.3 got the evening off to a lively start when she opened her own purse to reveal the contents to the crowd, and humorously established the reason so many women love purses. Guests were treated to live music while they browsed the tables, a mouthwatering selection of Hors d’oeuvres to maintain their energy level as they shopped, and goodie bags filled with treats and treasures to take home. Catlin Gardens provided a beautiful backdrop for the event, and also donated a Michael Kors tote, which was filled with beach essentials.
The Women’s Leadership Fund of Orange County is dedicated to creating lasting change that moves women and girls toward financial independence. Funds raised are returned to the community through grants to nonprofit organizations whose programs will move women and girls in Orange County toward financial independence. The Women’s Leadership Fund is a new fund of Orange County United Way.
