Doing a Power of Good - With Purses

The powers that be know that a woman is nothing without her purse, which is why the American Red Cross is hosting its Second Annual Power of the Purse fundraiser on Thursday, May 5, at The Merion, 1301 Route 130 in Cinnaminson.

“Bring your friends or come meet new ones as you shop to support a great cause during this unique ‘Girls Night Out,’” said June Sernak, Executive Director, American Red Cross Southwestern New Jersey Chapter, which covers Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties. “Everyone is welcome to join us at our Power of the Purse event.”

Power of the Purse promises a silent auction featuring more than 60 designer handbags, including one-of-a-kind creations from fashion students at Rowan University and vintage and celebrity purses. Guests also will enjoy facials, makeovers, a photo booth, sweepstakes, raffles, shopping opportunities from local boutiques and, of course, delicious food! A VIP reception will be held from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m.; dinner and the auction will be held immediately following, until 10 p.m.

Proceeds from Power of the Purse benefit Red Cross Disaster Relief to help prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters large and small. The American Red Cross responds to nearly 66,000 disasters each year, many of which are home fires. Last year, the American Red Cross New Jersey Region responded to 889 local disasters to provide comfort and emergency assistance - including temporary lodging, food, and clothing as needed - to 1,820 families. Each incident costs between $500 and $2,000 per family.

Tickets for the Power of the Purse event are $95 per person, or $125 for a VIP ticket which includes entrance to the VIP cocktail hour and an exclusive sweepstakes ticket; for tickets and sponsorship opportunities, or to donate a purse, visit www.american.redcross.org/powerofthepurse, or contact Randi Zamkotowicz at randi.zamkotowicz@redcross.org or 609-651-0636.

Power of the Purse Committee Co-Chairs and Board of Directors members Jennifer Starkey and Kristina Nicoles are grateful for the support of sponsors including: “Hermes Sponsors” ARI and Holman Automotive; “Chanel Sponsors” Virtua and Kennedy Health; “Louis Vuitton Sponsors” TD Bank and The Harkaway Center; “Gucci Sponsor” Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce; “Thank You Sponsor” South Jersey Women in Business; “Event Supporters” Investors Bank and Michael Cesaro; and “Dessert Sponsor” J.L. Weiner and Associates. Don’t wait to sign up for your sponsorship! A portion of your donation is tax deductible.

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About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About the American Red Cross in New Jersey
The American Red Cross provides programs and services to a population of 8.8 million in New Jersey. The Red Cross trains and mobilizes more than 5,800 volunteers who support the delivery of services throughout the state. In New Jersey in 2015, the Red Cross responded to 889 local disasters, mostly home fires, helping 1,820 displaced families; collected 88,439 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; provided 3,920 military family case services with emergency messages, helping families find assistance and/or get counseling and referrals; and trained 117,088 individuals with life-saving skills in preparedness, CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. Follow us on Twitter @NJRedCross.