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Shelter House Hosts Most Successful “Purses with a Purpose” To Date

Shelter House’s signature event, Purses with a Purpose, returned to Grand Boulevard March 24-25, 2017. This year’s event was the most lucrative year since the event’s inception in 2010, raising over $17,000 for Shelter House. Hundreds of women gathered Friday night at Grand Boulevard to peruse the expansive silent auction of over 1,000 designer handbags […]

Purses With A Purpose - Shelter House

Purses With A Purpose - Shelter House

Shelter House’s signature event, Purses with a Purpose, returned to Grand Boulevard March 24-25, 2017. This year’s event was the most lucrative year since the event’s inception in 2010, raising over $17,000 for Shelter House.

Hundreds of women gathered Friday night at Grand Boulevard to peruse the expansive silent auction of over 1,000 designer handbags and gently used purses while sipping wine donated by Mike and Valerie Thompson of Thompson 31Fifty, cocktails from Timber Creek Distillery and enjoying hors d’oeuvres from Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Sunset Bay Café in Sandestin.

Designer brands that were featured in the auction included Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Kate Spade, Dagne Dover and more. Fabulous handbags and accessories were also generously donated by local boutiques and retailers including The Dressing Room, Mercantile, Destin Jewelers, Sirens at the Beach, Fabrik, Bijoux de Mer, Serenity by the sea Spa, McCaskill & Company, Salamander Spa at The Henderson, Belk, Affinity Boutique, Destin Boutique, All Dressed Up Boutique, Charming Charlie, Dog Harmony, Sandestin Med Spa, Sandestin Famly Retail Shops, Frillseekers Gifts, LuxExchange, Gypsea Rose, Grand Fitness, Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Pretty Please and more. Other sponsors included Appleseed Expeditions, Insurance Zone, Dr. Mara Fiorentino and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office of Criminal Investigations.

B-Boy Productions brought the fun for evening, with live music by DJ Josh Woeckener and a photo booth complete with props and accessories. Silver Sands Premium Outlets generously sponsored the fashion show, featuring actual domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors that have provided or utilized Shelter House’s services. The models were treated to a luxurious visit to Pin Up Girls Hair Studio Friday afternoon to have their hair and makeup done for the event.

Purses with a Purpose reopened on Saturday, March 25 giving shoppers the opportunity to explore the remaining handbags. Attendees enjoyed mimosas, muffins and deep discounts! Since its inception, Purses with a Purpose has raised more than $90,000 to support Shelter House’s critical services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Shelter House accepts donations of new and gently used handbags throughout the year. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Shelter House at sponsors@shelterhousenwfl.org.

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Community Comments

“I agree with the idea of making it an event place. Whether for weddings or parties or businesses that want to hold lectures or meetings.Also a place for groups like...”
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“I second that thought, please quit trying to make Fort Walton another Destin. And anything to do with that that 10 million dollar ship they bought to sink is ridiculous!”
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“I like the idea of it being an event rental space, it would be beautiful for weddings and receptions, but another "charter boat hub", please quit trying to make Fort...”
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“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
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“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
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“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
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“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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