honeyreplicas

Next Page1| 2Previous PageThe Downtown Diva often marvels at how some of our most popular fundraising events seem to grow and evolve over the years. I've recently received some news about the upcoming eighth annual Handbag Happy Hour to benefit Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN), and it got me thinking about the very first one back in 2003. The idea was to collect new and gently used handbags - all donated, of course - for an auction. The majority of the purses would go in the silent auction and a few of the more high-end bags would be auctioned off live - then mix it all up with a downtown venue (the small dining room of the former Harold's on Bay) and hope for the best. Who would have guessed that a first-time event would be such a rage? I remember women crowding the sidewalk, clamoring to get in - and I learned to never underestimate the allure of cocktails, handbags and a good cause. In the years that followed, HHH expanded to a series of bigger venues - and this year, the soiree moves to the posh Miromar Design Center. According to ICAN Director of Development Mitch Haley, ladies will be able to peruse at least 400 fabulous handbags, while they nosh, sip, mix, and mingle. Mitch also tells me that several stars have donated their own purses including Gwyneth Paltrow, Reba McEntire and Kim Basinger. The main event happens Friday, Nov. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. with Kellie Burns and Doug Molloy sharing emcee duties. Look for lots more info at icanswfl.org. Handbag Happy Hour, you've come a long way, baby. Girls night out Another female-oriented fundraising event that's growing by leaps and bounds is Girls Night Out to benefit Blessings in a Backpack. The inaugural event last year drew a great crowd of gals to Harley-Davidson of Fort Myers, but this year's event on Sept. 30 was even bigger and better with raffle items, swag bags, yummy food and a nonstop flow of wine and fun.

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