Handbag Fundraiser Helping Salvation Army Programs

“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.”