In the bag Purse auction raises money for O-R’s Alzheimer’s project
Auction master of ceremonies Bracken Burns introduces one of the purses up for bid.
Auctioneer Tripp Kline solicits bids for the “Man Purse,” being modeled by Nick Samples, left, and George Katsadas.
Leslie Grenfell, center, and Kathy Costantino, right, check out the Anne Klein handbag that Grenfell purchased at the purse auction. At left is Kate Burns.
Purse model Catie Rogers displays a child’s handbag for bidders during the auction.
Nancy Sanders of North Attleboro, Mass., peruses the pasta bar at the buffet before the purse auction began.
Shirley McGlory of Pittsburgh is presented with the $500 shopping spree from Observer-Reporter editor Liz Rogers at the conclusion of the event.
Chris Jaroszynski of North Strabane purchases raffle tickets from George Katsadas while Marge Hoffman of North Franklin Township bids on a purse.
A variety of purses were auctioned, including those by designers Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, Coach, Brighton and more.
We asked, and you answered!
Thanks to the generous support of readers, businesses and service organziations, the Observer-Reporter raised a whopping $25,395 at its purse auction fundraiser Nov. 7 at The Meadows Casino to benefit patients and caregivers battling Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Washington and Greene counties.
Nearly 300 people attended the sold-out event, which featured more than 50 purses, Chinese and silent auctions and a $500 shopping spree, won by Shirley McGlory of Pittsburgh. Tripp Kline donated his auctioneering services, while former Washington County Commissioner Bracken Burns served as master of ceremonies.
To help make a difference in the lives of local families who have been affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, the staff of the Observer-Reporter launched the fundraising initative as part of the yearlong special reporting project, “No Longer Me.” The newspaper partnered with the Washington County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greene County to establish charitable funds connected to the project. At the culmination of the series, all money raised will be disbursed to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging to support Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers in the two-county area and the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter for educational programming.
Contributions will continue to be accepted through December. To donate to the No Longer Me fund in Washington County, visit the Washington County Community Foundation’s website at http://www.wccf.net/, click “Donate Now” and then “No Longer Me: Alzheimer’s Fund.” Or, click on the fund link. To donate to the Community Foundation of Greene County, visit the foundation’s website at http://cfgcpa.org/ and click the “Donate Now” button, or use the direct link to the online giving portal.
Thank you for helping us make a difference.