Money raised will help local domestic and sexual violence victims
(MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla.) April 8, 2016 – Women from across the Emerald Coast recently made their way to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin for Purses with a Purpose, a unique event benefiting Shelter House, the domestic and sexual violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties. The two-day event raised almost $20,000 to support programs and services such as a 24-hour rape and domestic violence hotline, emergency shelter, child advocacy, support groups and violence prevention classes.
“Since it began six years ago, Purses with a Purpose has brought in more than $73,000 for critical services,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Shelter House Executive Director. “Not only did 300 shoppers attend this event, more than 40 Shelter House volunteers gave over 200 hours of their time to make it happen. We had more shoppers and raised more money than ever before. This tremendous support from the community enables us to help more women, children, men and pets whose lives have been touched by violence.”
The Friday night party offered shoppers the opportunity to bid on designer handbags from Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors and more. They were also treated to food from Travinia Italian Kitchen and wine as well as a purse fashion show with models impacted by domestic violence, including Shelter House advocates, volunteers and survivors. The fashion show was emceed by Laura Holloway of The Storyteller Agency and featured hair and makeup by Pin Up Girls Hair Studio and music by Rock the House.
In addition to over 1,000 purses for sale and auction, Purses with a Purpose also featured scarves, jewelry, wallets and more were up for sale. Saturday shoppers snapped up the remaining purses at deeply discounted prices while enjoying muffins and mimosas.
Shelter House would like to thank the 2016 Purses with a Purpose sponsors: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Pin Up Girls Hair Studio, Rock the House, Travinia Italian Kitchen, 5 Star Photo Booth, The Storyteller Agency, Appleseed Expeditions, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Flip Flop Realty, Mara Fiorentino, MD, Primp Salon, Serenity by the Sea, Massage Envy and Panera Bread.
Shelter House accepts purse donations throughout the year at its program office located at 16 Ferry Road, SE in Fort Walton Beach. For more information about Purses with a Purpose or future events, please contact Shelter House at 850-243-1201.