OLD BAG LUNCHEON WAS A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
Over 180 people attended the Queen Anne’s County Mental Health Committee’s Old Bag Luncheon recently, which raised $20,000 for the organization. Attendees bid on gently used and new designer handbags and participated in a raffle with over 40 other bags stuffed with gift certificates from local businesses. Bidding was also very competitive for two live auction items: “Government in a Bag” (lunch with Delegate Steve Arentz, personal tour of the State House, and an overnight stay at the Calvert House) and “Christmas in a Bag” (catered cocktail party for 10, live Christmas Tree and wreath, and floral centerpiece). Many in attendance remarked that it was the best fundraiser they had been to in a long time and can’t wait for the next one!
The event was also supported by the following sponsors: Don Howard Painting & Construction
First Home Mortgage/Tracy Cohee Hodges, Dudley Katz, DDS and Associates, Manor House Kitchen & Bath, Paula’s Fine Jewelry, The Law Offices of Stevens Palmer, LLC, Roseland Nurseries, Debbie Shiley/Long & Foster, The Peoples Bank, and Judy Wink.
The proceeds of the event will help the organization’s efforts to support those members of our community who need assistance coping with mental illness by providing grants to local organizations. In the 1970s, Mrs. Orsen Neilsen, concerned about the plight of the mentally ill, gathered a group of citizens to raise funds to meet this overwhelming need. It is in this spirit that the current dedicated volunteers of the Mental Health Committee continue to raise funds to help provide and enhance services. This year’s grant recipients are: Corsica River Mental Health Services, QAC CARE Center, Eastern Shore Hospital Center Auxiliary, Talisman Therapeutic Riding, QAC Healthy Families program, Haven Ministries, and Crossroads Community, Inc. For more information on QACMHC, visit QACMHC.org.
Photo 1: Just a few of the over 180 women who attended QAC Mental Health Committee’s Old Bag Luncheon fundraiser at Prospect Bay Country Club. Back Row (l to r) Sarah Kronke, Julie Dixon, Lauren Wilde, Jennifer Helfenbein, and Patty Judge. Front Row (l to r) Missy Koppels, Stacie May, Jennifer Koppels, and Linda Black.
Photo 2: Prospect Bay Country Club’s event room was filled to capacity for the QAC Mental Health Committee’s Old Bag Luncheon, which raised $20,000 for the organization.
Photo 3: A few of the handbags that were part of the silent auction during the QAC Mental Health Committee’s Old Bag Luncheon fundraiser.