WOMEN’S AUXILIARY’S BAGS OF HOPE DRAWS GREAT TURNOUT FOR HANDBAG GIVEAWAY BINGO
Ten designer handbags lined a wall in a large meeting room in The Salvation Army Midland Division, marking the theme of a festive fall fundraiser, Bags of Hope, on a recent Saturday afternoon.
The event was hosted by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary members, who are tasked with creating and participating in several unique fundraising events every year.
At Bags of Hope, the winners of 10 games of bingo each won a designer bag, in a packed room of more than 75 people ready to play. Many Salvation Army officers were in attendance, including Lt. Col. Bob Webster (joined by an assistant), calling the numbers as they tumbled from a hand-cranked, rotating wheel.
Designers for the bags, which were donated or purchased, included Gucci, Coach, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors. Large, purse-sized gift bags were given to runners-up of the same bingo games.
“This has been a real, real successful event, as far as I’m concerned,” said Women’s Auxiliary President, Ruth Carr. “It’s our first bingo. Everyone has worked really hard to put it on. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the way it’s going.”
Thoughtful touches of the day included $10 gift bags (filled with $20 in value), table centerpieces made with handbags, and a snack bar.
The event’s production was overseen by Women’s Auxiliary member Barb Williams, who often takes a leadership role with Women’s Auxiliary fundraisers. Facebook ads were used to promote the event, as were postcards and flyers.
“One of our employees recommended it,” Williams said, of the event’s concept. “We went to the Colonel [Collette Webster]. She was very familiar with it and went forward with it.”
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