The coffers swelled by more than $40,000 as the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati hosted its sixth annual Handbags for Hope fundraiser. The event at the Cincinnati Club attracted more than 300 guests.
Guests raised their paddles for new designer bags from Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Tory Burch and more. The silent auction featured designer handbags and Pack-a-Purse.
Once again, members of the late Dan Wendell’s family served as honorary chairs. “Through the bonds that we have formed with the Literacy Network, we’ve had the opportunity to keep one of Dan’s primary passions alive,” said Dan’s father, Steve Wendell. “He was a firm believer that the ability to read opened all other doors in life.”
The 2017 Hope Award went to the Children’s Basic Reading instructors at Resurrection Catholic School. Teachers Debbie Faillace, Shela Brockman, Jan Schaedle and Janie McDonald have expanded the program over the past two years to reach every student in kindergarten through third grade.
Click on a thumbnail below to view photo gallery from the event.
- Guests bid on purses in the silent auction.
- Resurrection Catholic School teachers Jan Schaedle, Debbie Faillace, Janie McDonald, speaker Greg Forbes Siegman and Shela Brockman
- Christy Meyer, Laura Fredrick and Katy Meinhardt
- Kris Sammons, Kasey Underwood, Michelle Otten Guenther, Emily Fosmire, Steve Wendell, Anne Wendell, Bonnie Otten, Tom Otten, Maggie Hacquard and Libby Anderson
- Emcee Tim Goldrainer of The Menus with honoree Bridget Dwyer
- Guests check out raffles in support of literacy programs.