Purses for a Purpose made a few changes at its annual fundraiser, but its dedication to supporting the Boys and Girls Club hasn’t wavered.
The eighth annual event, held in the middle of October, raised about $46,000 in unrestricted funds.
“It’s a fun ladies night out with some teasing and competition during the auction,” said Wendy Crawford, one of the event organizers. “But everyone also understands the seriousness of what we’re doing. There are a lot of working parents, and their children have to have a safe place to go. It’s not just a child care; it’s so much more. All of our programs are geared to education, literacy, STEM activities, exercise and nutrition, helping kids grow into responsible adults.”
Johanna Wicklund, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Bay and Lakes Region, was part of the serious side of the event, as she discussed the organization’s mission and the need for its services in the community.
Crawford said children today have more social, emotional and mental demands than previous generations.
“We’ve added a social worker to our team to teach staff and work with children,” she said. “Many donations we receive are directed for particular programming, so events like Purses for a Purpose raise funds for other expenses.”
Fundraising activities included Packers raffle and basket raffles, mini purse gift bag sales, donations and a live auction featuring Joe Cicero as auctioneer.
Event sponsorships were also part of the fundraising.
The event was sponsored by Boys and Girls Clubs of the Bay and Lakes Region and put together by a planning committee spearheaded by Crawford and Jill Whiteman.
“The mini purse sale, which is new this year, included some other prizes inside, including jewelry and gift cards,” Crawford said.
Some of the featured high-end purses and handbags, all donated by area individuals and businesses, included a Michael Kors backpack, a Kurt Geiger evening bag, a Moda Luxe shoulder bag, a Kate Spade backpack and wristlet, a Tory Burch bucket bag, an Aimee Kestenberg shoulder bag, a Longchamp travel bag and a Gucci bucket bag.
Traditionally held at The Gathering, the event was held at Stubborn Brothers Brewery this year after the former restaurant and banquet facility closed earlier this year.
Crawford said the idea for the Purses for a Purpose was borrowed from the Green Bay Women’s Club Power of the Purse.
“Individuals and businesses sponsor the purses or high-end handbags that are auctioned off,” Crawford said. “We’ve been doing this since the Boys and Girls Club started in Shawano eight years ago.”
Boys and Girls Club activities continue to be held at Olga Brener Intermediate School, but officials also made programs available to students at Hillcrest Primary School this year.
This year’s fundraiser drew 116 attendees, Crawford said she was impressed by the attendance at the fundraiser.
“These women, they get our issues, our mission,” she said.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
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