"THE POWER OF THE PURSE" RAISES FUNDS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILY HEALTH

The Children’s Auxiliary of Visiting Nurse Association Health Group (VNA Health Group) hosted more than 300 women at the Riverhouse at Rumson Country Club in Rumson, New Jersey for a chic, fashion-forward evening at “The Power of the Purse,” Ladies’ Night Out and Purse Auction benefitting the VNA’s Children and Family Health Institute (CFHI).

Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and a festive Cinco de Mayo dinner buffet while browsing and taking chances on nearly 100 purses, all donated by friends and supporters of the VNA. Handbags ranged from small, intricate evening clutches to large, durable beach totes. The evening also included a silent auction featuring several handbags from luxury designers including Chloe, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and more.

Hosted every other year since 2007, “The Power of the Purse” has quickly become the Children’s Auxiliary’s signature event, and since inception, has raised more than $175,000.

“Attendance at ‘The Power of the Purse’ has nearly doubled since we began nine years ago,” said Niki Sourlis, chairman of the Children’s Auxiliary. “This unique, spectacular event is a favorite in the community — and we’re thrilled to see new faces each year.”

Funds raised by “The Power of the Purse” benefit the Children and Family Health Institute, which connects families to a wide range of services focused on caring for and improving the well-being of New Jersey families. The Institute’s health and education services include pediatric home health care, infusion therapy, parenting education, Special Child Health Services and Early Intervention programs, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program, home visitation programs including Nurse Family Partnership and Healthy Families, prenatal and postpartum care, school-based services, primary care including immunizations, as well as hospice care for children and group counseling for children who have lost a loved one.

“‘The Power of the Purse’ combines a love of timeless accessories with the commitment to helping others,” added Sourlis. “Our guests supported programs that benefit hundreds of mothers, children and families across New Jersey.”

To learn more about the Children and Family Health Institute and Visiting Nurse Association Health group, visit www.vnahg.org.