Atlanta celebrities help to make YWCA Open Your Purse Event a success

Local Atlanta celebrities help to make this year’s YWCA Open Your Purse Event a success. Inside the ballroom at the Downtown Atlanta Aquarium where the most beautiful fish served as the backdrop of an exquisite dinner ensemble, and among the hundreds of purses donated for charity, were local Atlanta celebrities like: Mychael Knight of Project Runway, Demetria McKinney of the House of Payne, and even Tony Award Winning Actress, Jennifer Holliday.  Celebrities, Atlanta’s business population, and ladies who love purses, helped to transform this evening into a successful night for the YWCA.

What do women love more than shoes? – A good handbag. Obviously, women really do love a good handbag because the turnout to bid on purses donated for charity was outstanding. While, up for bid there were an incredible pair of DKNYC heels donated by Willie Wilson…this night was all about the purse, handbag, pocketbook, satchel, or whatever you want to name that lovely thing you hang on your arm and accessorize with your outfit.  This is the 7thAnnual YWCA Open Your Purse Event and with sponsors like: Belk, Delta, and The Atlanta Journal- Constitution the night was a fundraising, purse-filled, success!

Advertisement Belk joins other Atlanta businesses and donates to the cause- Belk, known for modern southern style donated over 100 bags for the event. Additionally, other well known companies in Atlanta such as: Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta Gas & Light, AT&T, and Newell Rubbermaid donated items as well.

Incredible Donations from Atlanta celebrities- Other donations included once in a lifetime opportunities with Atlanta locals like Cee Lo Green, or a custom dress from designer Mychael Knight, and even a walk on role in an upcoming BobbCat Films Production. All these wonderful gifts were up for bidding with the monies received going to the services provided by the YWCA.

Women In Transition- One inspirational program in the YWCA is the Women in Transition Supportive Housing Program. The CEO of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, Justine Boyd glowed as she spoke of the occasion of the evening. This program was on spotlight during the event as one of the women graduates from the program received the Power of the Purse Award. Dave Penrod, Chair of the Southern Division of Belk was on hand to personally give out the award. This award spotlights a woman who demonstrates she is capable of overcoming hardships in life and improving her circumstances. This year’s Power of the Purse Award recipient was Amy Peat. Amy, read an incredible poem to the audience, received a solo song from House of Payne’s Demetria McKinney, a Belk gift card, and even had the honor of taking her own purse home.

The purse is more than a bag- Actually, by the end of the evening there was a sea of Belk Shopping Bags as hundreds of ladies took home their treasured purses. The evening was definitely a success. YWCA’s Open Your Purse Event is the perfect opportunity to open your purse as well as open your heart to the transformative process of giving and supporting someone in need.

Article By: Monique Colbert