By Kerry Rahm
krahm@wbcowqel.com
It was a night of charitable spending filled with a little glamour and a lot of generosity at the American Red Cross’ Fifth Annual Power of the Purse event, held Friday at the Trillium Event Center in Bucyrus.
More extensive than in years past, in both sponsorship and scope, the event attracted a crowd of 300-plus attendees who mingled and mulled over the array of handbags stuffed with goods donated by local businesses such as Crossroads, Carlisle House, Ley’s Jewelry and even Tanger Outlets located in Jeffersonville, Ohio.
67 purses were slated for both the live and silent auctions. Each purse package had its own story, with themes such as “You’re Worth It,” “Arm Candy,” and “Fit for a Queen.” The event reopened the ever popular Bag Lady Boulevard, yet again offering gently used handbags for purchase as well.
The most extravagant package of the night, titled “Return to Paradise” included both a simple cross-body Fossil handbag and a package for a 5 day, 4 night all-inclusive vacation at the Hacienda Tres Rios in Riveria Maya, Mexico, valued at $1900.
Power of the Purse even had its own signature beverage this year. Eighteen – O – Three Taproom whipped up a special “Red Cross” brew exclusively for the night. Wines were donated by Norman’s Niche, and catering was provided by Greenbriar Catering.
Chris Copper, Director of Development at the Red Cross and the driving force of the night, said that attendance has almost doubled from last year’s event, a feat she called “unprecedented.”
As she welcomed everyone in her opening speech, Copper relayed that the organization celebrates an impressive “century of service in Ohio” this year, and recognized the Crawford County Foundation for providing a new vehicle for the Red Cross.
WQEL’s Will Beard, acting emcee for the event, introduced station manager Kim Goyer, who spoke about new changes made at the station and Crawford County Now. WQEL/WBCO was the presenting sponsor for the night. She in turn introduced Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser, who said, “My hope is that we realize the goodness of this organization… that is shown by our attendance here tonight.”
A special award presentation took place for the first ever Helen Picking Neff “Women in Leadership Award.” The recipient, Deb Pinion, paid tribute to Picking Neff, calling her the “matriarch of Bucyrus,” and shared examples of Picking Neff’s considerable involvement and leadership in the city.
The auction then kicked off at a frenzied pace, with Beard and auctioneer Mike Zahn doing the heavy lifting. Mayor Reser got the ball rolling, bidding on the first handbag of the night which he eventually took home for Mrs. Reser.
Purses aside, Copper, who is from Bucyrus, underscored the importance of local businesses and like-minded people who help put the event together. “We have completely sold out this event, we have a full house, which is a good thing. We have had outstanding support from area merchants who ensure our community is set in the event a disaster would occur,” she said. Even a one night only occasion like Power of the Purse serves its purpose by keeping the proceeds here in Central Ohio.
All funds raised from the event go toward Red Cross disaster relief, Blood Mobiles, and critical life-saving services.