Another Literacy Network fundraiser is in the bag. The organization hosted its fifth annual Handbags for Hope fundraiser Feb. 25 at the Cincinnati Club. With almost 400 people in attendance, the event raised more than $47,000 for Literacy Network programs.
During the live auction, guests raised their paddles for new handbags from Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Kate Spade and more. The silent auction included designer handbags and Pack-a-Purse, with themed purses full of bonus prizes. Chair couples were Ralph and Janelle Lee, Stan Williams and Kristi Clement-Williams.
The Hope Award was presented to Victoria Mitchell, a student in the Literacy Network’s Adult Basic Reading Program. Mitchell raises her twin great-grandsons, works at a soup kitchen and food pantry and volunteers at the boys’ school. When she wanted to join the church choir, she memorized every word to every song because of her reading limitations. When asked how she was able to do that, she said, “God gives you gifts to make up for what you don’t have.”
Info: 513-621-READ or www.lngc.org
Photos by Sarah Kramer