Annual auction to raise funds for the Salvation Army

The 6th annual “Power of the Purse: Purses for a Purpose” Salvation Army fund-raiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 25 at the Bossier Civic Center in Bossier City.

“The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary is a fund-raising arm for the Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana,” Sara Kleinecke, director of development for the Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana, said. “This is the group’s one major fund-raiser they plan every year to benefit local Salvation Army programs. All the proceeds from this event are distributed among all our programs.”

This year, the Salvation Army is expecting a minimum of 500 guests, with a goal of raising $75,000.

“The annual purse auction fund-raiser is a great way to spend a Saturday morning with your favorite gal pals,” Kleinecke said. “Who doesn’t love getting a new handbag? The cool thing about our event is you can walk away with 10 gently used bags, or you could decide to go all in on a silent auction package, or in the live auction, and leave with a new designer bag. Either way, you are participating in something that helps people in our community.”

Regina Tredway, chair for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary “Power of the Purse: Purses for a Purpose,” is looking forward to the event. “By coming to the purse auction, you will be associated with one of the world’s finest charities, the Salvation Army,” Tredway said. “The goal is to raise money for the programs the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary supports, which includes Merkle Center of Hope, the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club and Saints Alive! Seniors Program.”

There are a lot of new elements at the fund-raiser this year, including a grand prize drawing for a new Louis Vuitton handbag, an Angel Tree toy drive and a photo booth, which will help showcase the grand prize winner and attendees with their purchases.

“With our Angel Tree toy drive, you will be entered in a drawing to win a purse,” Tredway said. “You could end up with multiple entries, depending on how many toys you bring. If you bring three toys, you will be entered in the drawing three times!” Designers for the coveted purses include Coach, Michael Kors and many more.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing all the excitement and seeing our guests experience our new elements, including the photo booth, and we are going to color coordinate the bags this year,” Amy Bartley, co-chair for the event, said.

There will be a lot of purses ranging from $5 to $50, plus a live auction and silent auction.

“We’re excited to have several sponsors,” Bartley said. “Wray Ford will have vehicles on display at the event, one of which will be incorporated into a drawing. You can guess how many purses are in the trunk, and the winner gets a purse!” There will also be a light brunch served with finger foods and dessert. The silent and live auctions will feature themed packages paired with purses.

Tickets are $25 for guaranteed table seating and a swag bag. General seating is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. All tickets include a light brunch and beverage. Tables of eight are also available for purchase for $200, and this option comes with guaranteed seating and a free swag bag. For questions or to purchase a table, call Jennifer at 318-424-3200, ext. 23.

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite: www.purse2018 eventbrite.com. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/177366016445353/.

– Betsy St. Amant Haddox