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Purse auction raises over $2,000 for Hospice of the Panhandle

By Staff | Mar 22, 2019

Leslie Crabill looks through jewelry on display, during Hospice of the Panhandle's Gently Used Purse Auction. Toni Milbourne

KEARNEYSVILLE — Tables lined with purses, many of them sporting designer names, was a draw for bidders at the annual Hospice of the Panhandle Gently Used Purse Auction. The event, typically held in the fall of every year, was moved to the spring this year, in time to offer some delightful accessories on which attendees could bid.

“All of the purses are donated, but a lot of them this year are new,” said Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator Ashley Horst, mentioning the Marketing Department at Charles Town Races donated several new purses for the event.

The event this year raised over $2,000, Horst reported, following the close of the bids. This amount likely rose a bit, as there were some purses remaining being sold to bolster the total.

“The average for the event is between [$2,000] and $4,000,” said Development Director Maria Lorensen. “We’ve been doing this for about five years, I think.”

Horst said the proceeds will go to the general funds at hospice that helps provide end-of-life care to individuals regardless of their ability to pay.

“Without support at our fundraisers and donations, we would have to look at what we can actually do for patients,” Horst said. “We are thankful we haven’t had to ask the question about what would we cut.”

In addition to the purses on the silent auction tables, there were also purses and accessories available at set prices. Premier Jewelry consultant Rhonda Banks was on hand with a table of pieces individuals could purchase.

“All proceeds of the sales will go back to Hospice,” Banks said. “This is a way for me to give back and I love supporting Hospice, who is giving the best to those at the end of life.”

Loving the jewelry options, Leslie Crabill asked when trying on several pairs of earrings, “Can I take them all?”

“Hospice is a fabulous organization,” Crabill said, when asked why she was there to support the fundraising efforts. Crabill, who is employed at the Bank of Charles Town, said she had seen Hospice at work when her late boss, Bob Baronner received their services.

“Hospice was a gift to the Baronner family, providing for so many of their needs, as they do for so many families,” Crabill said. “It is the least I can do to support such a worthy cause.”