Good Deeds Go Hand in Hand with Celebrity Handbag Auction
Raising More Than $17,000 for Children at Boys & Girls Town of Missouri
Springfield, Mo. (Sept. 27, 2007) – The popularity and appeal of finding the perfect handbag reigns world-wide. So much so that museums from Edmond, Okla., to Amsterdam† currently offer exhibits featuring handbags and purses. Pair this interest with the generosity of Springfield citizens and you fashion a winning combination.
Generosity was evident at Boys & Girls Town of Missouri’s 2007 Handbags of Hope luncheon and auction held September 20 at Highland Springs Country Club. More than 150 attendees bid on new handbags donated by local retailers and bags personally owned by local and national celebrities, raising more than $17,000 to help fund treatment programs for children suffering from abuse and neglect.
The silent auction of 140 items was followed by a live auction of bags donated by Springfield natives Brad Pitt and Ragan O’Reilly, Academy Award winners Angelina Jolie, Sally Field and Shirley Jones, and others.
Springfield resident Linda Tripp successfully fought off other eager bidders with a winning bid of $1,375 for a handmade bag from Ethiopia donated by Angelina Jolie and immediately donated the bag back to be auctioned again. “I really just want to help the kids,” said Tripp, “I don’t need the bag.”
Tripp’s gesture inspired other bidders to bid generously. The live auction alone garnered $6,425.
Photos of children living at Boys & Girls Town filled the dining room. “It was so wonderful to have such a successful event that will help children who truly need support and love,” said Judy Wyrick, co-chairperson of the volunteer committee organizing the event. “We want to thank all the participants and supporters for their generosity.”
Other members of the volunteer committee included: Judy Gibson, Cathy Moore, Cathy Reser, Kym Russell, Sue Carrol Terry, Valerie Savvenas and Joyce Wright. |
