They say that a woman and her purse are not soon parted. Handbags can be seen everywhere... dangling from arms... thrown over shoulders... and even strapped on backs. Pocketbooks come in all sizes and colors, and are filled with secret compartments. No matter what they call them or how much they stuff in them, women have a love affair with their purses.
The American Red Cross of Medina County and The Galaxy Restaurant are partnering to sponsor the second annual, Power of the Purse. This Ladies-Night-Out will be Thursday, September 23, 6 p.m., at The Galaxy Restaurant, 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth and will feature silent and verbal auctions of theme-filled purses and a bling bazaar.
"We are excited to bring this event back to Medina County where women can share in excitement, contribution and style," said Michelle Masica, Red Cross board member and event chair. "The auctions will help the Red Cross raise funds to help local families prevent, prepare for and cope with emergencies."
Tickets are $35 and will include hors d’oeuvres, pasta, wine, appletinis, soft drinks and dessert. A cash bar will also be available. Emcee will be Joe McNeill, Red Cross board member and owner of Big Ear Entertainment. Reservations are a must. Over 360 women attended last year’s event.
You can support the Red Cross in style by attending, sponsoring the event, or donating a theme-filled purse for auction. Sponsorship levels are: Liz - $1,000 donation; Vera - $500 donation; Kate - $250 donation or Coach - $100 donation. Each level offers a variety of incentive packages for the donor.
"People probably wonder what a theme-filled purse is," said Beth Kilchenman, executive director. "An example would be ‘Summer with Liz,’ featuring a Liz Claiborne natural handbag, beach hat, Vera Wang flip flops and a hot pink necklace with matching earrings."
Businesses or agencies who donate a theme-filled purse will probably want to focus on a theme that promotes their business such as a spa featuring a purse that holds gift certificates for services and other relaxation-related items such as a terry cloth robe and aroma therapy candles.
Media sponsors are 91.3 FM The Summit and The Medina County Women’s Journal. Giant Eagle and Nance College of Business, Cleveland State University are Liz Level sponsors.
Committee members who are organizing Power of the Purse are local business women Masica, Dottie Nemec, Deb Lougheed, Charolette Brockwell, Nancy Pabian, Deborah Wasylko, Johanna Perrino, Ann Reusch, Sharon Ray, Shelly Ferrier, Tricia Easton, Kristi Jack, Pat O’Sullivan, Jennifer Smith, Laurie Price, Robin Hammond, Sharon Centner, Lisa Dunn, Michelle Kirda, Debbie Poland and Beth Kilchenman.
The American Red Cross of Medina County has provided emergency prevention and response services to local families since 1917. Services include training in CPR, first aid, swimming, lifeguarding, and community disaster education; helping victims of disasters from floods, fires, tornadoes, snow storms and electrical black-outs; delivering urgent family communications to military personnel and recruiting blood donors to provide life-saving products to help the sick and injured.
For information about Power of the Purse, contact Kilchenman at 330-723-4565 or toll free at 1-877-441-4565 or visit www.medinaredcross.org or visit our Facebook page.