The third annual Annual Handbags of Hope Auction and Tea held recently at the Yellow Umbrella raised approximately $3,673 for programs to end violence against women.
Donations of 50 handbags were received for the event from all over the world as well as the local area.
“With the attendance of 73 wonderful women, the event was once again a success,” says Irene Willsie executive director of the Women’s Contact Society which sponsored the event.
She said auctioneer John Hack was entertaining and phenomenal at raising the bids.
The handbag fetching the highest bid was a Lloyd and Wolf Couture bag by Vancouver designer Larissa Stefani that sold for $310
The ladies enjoyed a number of bonus mystery prizes they received after the bidding on the handbags closed.