Web posted
Friday, January 4, 2008
BBBS fundraiser success
From BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Four area women and many of their friends raised $7,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cowley County recently at the organization's first "Bag Lady Purse Auction" event.
"We set our goal at $5,000 so this is a wonderful outcome," said Amy Niles, event chairperson.
Last August, four friends started meeting with BBBS staff to talk about an innovative idea to unite women in a festive environment and raise money to support the increasing demand for mentoring in our community.
Jennifer Munson and her husband, Mike, did not hesitate to offer their home as the venue for the Arkansas City event.
Joan Tamburini of BBBS says the organization has researched ways to engage women donors because of the vast financial potential women have to produce positive social change.
Jennifer and Amy recruited two other friends, Lena Watkins and Sarah Bryant, and suddenly the women's enthusiasm about the "Bag Lady Purse Auction" gained momentum beyond BBBS staffers' wildest imagination.
"Never before has our organization had such a unique and successful first-time event," says Debi Clark, BBBS director.
More than 50 local individuals and businesses contributed purses, bags, theme baskets and an assortment of items that the "Bag Ladies" assembled into lovely silent and live auction offerings. Lance Niles served as auctioneer before an audience of 50 invited guests. Bidding on four packages closed at more than $300 each.
The high bid packages included a pair of his and hers watches donated by Schmidt Jewelers; a two-hour chartered flight for three guests donated by B4 Flying; a "Git 'R Done" tool bucket full of any handyman's dream tools donated by Dr. Rod and Trish Stoy; and a beautifully framed print of one of Cowley County's historical stone bridges by local artist Rhenda Torrence paired with an all-day guided tour donated by Union State Bank.
The auction proceeds will help the local organization provide ten Ark City children a Big Brother or Big Sister in 2008.
"That is extremely satisfying," said Jennifer Munson, who prepared hors d'oeuvres for all the guests.
"We are so grateful to all of the wonderful women who came out to support such a great cause," she added.
BBBS of Cowley County helps children ages 5-17 reach their potential through professionally screened and maintained one-to-one mentoring relationships with measurable impact.
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