North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
April was a big month for the GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club. It hosted its annual “Purses with Purpose Charity Event” at the Marina Inn Grande Dunes. This annual “Girls Night Out for Charity” raises money to give to local charities in the community and that they did this year.
A total of 340 ladies and a few brave men were in attendance for the fun-filled evening, which included a delicious buffet dinner and decadent desserts. The event featured a large silent auction with 59 delightful gift baskets and a very entertaining “live” auction with 29 purses showcased by local male models!
The “Bubbles and Bling” raffle was an overflowing wheelbarrow with 80 bubbling bottles of wine and lots of “Bling” which included sixgorgeous pieces of designer jewelry made up of three bracelets, two necklaces and one silver aquamarine ring.
Thirty four large round tables for twelve were delightfully decorated with pink spring bouquets by the club’s decorating committee. Jeri McCumbee and Adam Dellinger co-emceed the program. During the event, two large projection screens in the ballroom displayed the club’s contributions, projects, sponsors, models and purse contributors. McCumbee recognized the political leaders and top sponsors. She also presented a tribute to North Myrtle Beach’s first female police chief and a former NMBWC member, Dana Crowell, who was present at the event.
The live auction began with handsome male models prancing on stage with gorgeous designer handbags. They worked hard to drive up the bidding for their purse, flexing their muscles, prancing and dancing, pleading and begging, and otherwise performing their runway antics to the delight of the ladies.
Live auction purses were donated by prominent local women, celebrities and businesses. NMB Mayor Marilyn Hatley donated a lovely Tori Burch monogrammed tote. Tamara Beck, wife of Coastal Carolina coach, donated a quilted Tori Burch shoulder bag. Mandy Fulford, CEO RE/ax Southern Shores gave a small Coach Heart Crossbody. The Citizens Bank offered up a Brahmin Rosalie Purse. Kate Spade, Tanger Outlet, donated a Kate Spade Sam Iconic Crossbody. Vanna White sent her colorful Aldo summer tote. NMBWC President Connie Holston gave a Brahmin Kate Crossbody. Cindy Piotrowski of Reside Realty sent a Michael Kors Signature Tote. These were just a few of 30 purses auctioned. But the best was saved for last. A Gucci Dionysuys Mini Evening Bag by Jessica Bell of Touch Med Spa, a Never Full MM Louis Vuitton tote by Dr. Sarah Novis of Current Med Spa and a Gucci Diana Mini Tote donated by a group of local businesses and individuals headed up by Fred Nesta of the Italian American Heritage Charitable Council created aggressive and expensive bidding warfare. Lucky for charity these ladies love their designer bags!
One purse had a bonus. It came with a surprise $500 Stashed Cash Giveaway compliments of the local business, Purpleologist. A nice bonus for one lucky purse purchaser!
“This was our twelfth year hosting this event and we continue to have support from the community. We are blessed to have our top sponsors supporting us each year. Elliott Realty was again this year’s Title Sponsor. Then we had Jake’s Heating and Cooling, Touch Med Spa, CENTURY 21 Thomas, Coastal Carolina National Bank, Margie T. Dowling, Hamburger Joe’s and MEDcare Urgent Care to sign on as our other top sponsors.
These sponsors combined with other generous sponsorships helped us raise $85,000. This kind of success is only possible with the support of our sponsors, our purse contributors, the models and our club members. And special thanks must go to the many businesses, who contributed items and services that helped us create over 59 silent auction baskets. To all the ladies who came and bid on the purses and silent auction items, we thank you so much. Your generosity allows us to give back to other charities.” stated Jeri McCumbee, event chairperson.
The monies raised at the “Purses with Purpose” Charity Event will be awarded to organizations supporting youth and children, women and others struggling in our community. Allocations are made during the fall of each year. The GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and is a large charitable organization serving the North Strand community. Please visit www.
