Proceeds from this 6th annual silent purse auction and retail sale will provide shelter to one homeless father, mother or child for 720 nights
[Bel Air, MD] October 1, 2014—On September 12-13, 2014, the Bel Air Armory was the site of the 6th annual Saxon’s Diamond Centers Hope in Handbags event, which raised $18,000 to support Harford Family House (“HFH”). HFH, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting homeless families with children in Harford County.
This year’s annual Hope in Handbags event gave Harford County “purseaholics” the chance to shop from a selection of nearly 2,000 new and gently-used designer handbags at a fraction of their retail cost. Some of the particularly special bags sold included a Dooney and Bourke printed with the Orioles motif and stuffed with team memorabilia and game tickets; a gorgeous yellow Kate Spade with matching wallet; many striking Vera Bradley prints; plus fabric and leather Coach bags, Michael Kohrs, Tignanello, B. Makowsky and Longchamp purses. The event also featured celebrity purses from Cheryl Conner, our event honorary chairman, Tracey Tiernan, DJ at Shine FM radio and Kristy Breslin from WJZ TV.
Several local vendors were also onsite to tempt guests with their products and services. Vendors included 3 Sisters, Mary Kay, Massage Heights, Flying Geese Quilting Guild, Mt. Felix Winery, Coffee Coffee and AGROS Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil. There was also food available for tastings, provided from Panera Bread, The Treasured Cookie, Coffee Coffee, Mt. Felix, Chick-fil-A and Savona. The event was further enhanced by live musical entertainment, provided by singer Melanie Coppola on Friday evening, and Level Infinity Singers on Saturday.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the raffle for a Michele Diamond watch and a Botkier NY handbag, both donated by Saxon’s Diamond Centers. The winner was Diane Sengstacke who had purchased her $10 ticket at a CPWN networking event and won her prizes worth more than $2,300.
“We’re so grateful to the volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible, as well as to the more than 300 attendees who came out to have a great time, score great bags and support a great cause,” said Harford Family House Executive Director/CEO Joyce Duffy. “The proceeds from this fundraiser will help us house a dad, mom or child for 720 nights. Or, that’s just about one whole year for two people, such as a homeless mother and baby. What a fabulous outcome for a fabulous event!”
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About Harford Family House – www.harfordfamilyhouse.org
Harford Family House is the largest provider of transitional housing for homeless families with children in Harford County. Other programs include Emergency Shelter for families and HUD Supportive Housing for homeless families where one family member has a disability. Clients are provided with a fully furnished apartment or house and receive case management services and referrals to partner agencies to move them from homelessness and hopelessness to hope and independence.
