Tara Jeffrey
Organizers of a ‘girls’ night out’ style fundraiser are hoping the brand new event will payoff for Sarnia-Lambton Rebound.
“We wanted to try something different,” said Anita Minielly, the agency’s fund development and marketing coordinator, pointing to the successful ‘Dirty Dash’ fundraiser launched in 2015. “Attendance was dropping off in the last couple of years, so we decided to take a year off, and look at how we can do things differently.”
She came up with the Hearts & Handbags fundraiser – modeled after an event she attended in Guelph earlier this year – which includes live and silent auctions featuring a slew of designer handbags. Guests are also treated to complimentary champagne, hors d’oeurves, desserts, a candy station, and the chance to win the grand prize – a Christian Louboutin shoulder bag, valued at $2,800.
The event will be held June 6 at the Holiday Inn, Point Edward.
“We really want it to be the ultimate girls’ night out,” said Minielly, who is hoping to bring in $20,000.
Proceeds from the event will support the agency’s programming and events for youth who identify as female, including the Girls Mentoring Program, STAGE (Strategies Towards Achieving Girl Empowerment) and the Cinderella Project – all which encourage empowerment, self-esteem and confidence.
And handful of designer names will be up for grabs for both the live and silent auctions, including Jimmy Chu, Gucci, Michael Kors and more.
Tickets are $50 (theatre-style seating), and full tables of eight, complete with full table service, are $800.
Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, celebrating its 35th year, operates 19 different programs for youth between the ages of eight and 24.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Hearts & Handbags Fundraiser
WHEN: Thursday, June 6; doors open at 6 p.m.
WHERE: The Holiday Inn, Venetian Blvd., Point Edward
DETAILS: Tickets are $50 each, or full table for $800. Visit www.reboundonline.com