Recently, I was asked to MC an event for the Soroptimists of the Langleys fundraiser, ‘The Power of the Purse.’
The Soroptimists are a non-profit organization that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local women’s initiatives, hospital equipment or educational support.
Over the past few months the members have been gathering ‘previously loved’ purses to sell and 17 high end designer label bags for me to auction off to the approximately 150 ladies who attended the event.
Do I have any experience that would qualify me to do this?
The answer is easy — over the years I have had much experience with putting money into women’s purses and I thought this may be a great opportunity to help take some money out for a good cause.
The recipient of the event’s funds was to be Ishtar Transition House. Ishtar Transition Housing Society is a charitable, non-profit organization that has operated in Langley and Aldergrove since 1973. Ishtar has two transition houses, a community based victim services program and counseling services for women and children who have experienced power based crimes such as violence in a relationship, sexual assault, sexual abuse, threats or criminal harassment. The money from the purse event would go to supporting programs.
There were well over 200 purses of all shapes and sizes offered for sale.
I saw women, already carrying a purse on their shoulder, purchase two more from the sales table.
It was explained to me that different events and different times of year required different bags in varying sizes and colours. They are an external extension of the woman’s home.
Standing boldly on the stage, I pulled my worn and weathered brown wallet from my back pocket. I explained to the crowd that I had purchased this wallet five years ago. It went with my black slacks, my brown slacks and my grey slacks.
I carried it when I was wearing shorts, jeans or sweat pants. It was with me when I was wearing black shoes, brown shoes, sandals or sneakers. It went to fine restaurants or fast food joints and sporting events or theatres. It held my ID, my cash and my credit cards.
I had only one wallet and when it started to show signs of wear and tear, strategically placed duct tape could extend its life another six months.
A guy does not like to break in a new, stiff wallet.
The old one has, over time, moulded itself to the contours of his body and slides to the perfect spot when sitting or driving.
To take everything out and shift it to another wallet just to go out someplace or wear different coloured clothes, is beyond comprehension.
But the evening was a success and I learned the difference between a tote, a clutch and a shoulder bag.
More important, I saw caring women helping women in need and I learned that behind every successful woman is a fabulous handbag.
At least that’s what McGregor says.
