October 13, 2020
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is honored to announce that the first annual Handbags with Heart virtual raffle raised over $83,000 to benefit the programs and services offered by Fresh Start.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Phoenix, AZ) – Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is honored to announce that the first annual Handbags with Heart virtual raffle raised over $83,000 to benefit the programs and services offered by Fresh Start. Hosted by the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation Auxiliary Board, and presented by PetSmart, the raffle featured 7 designer handbags including: Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, YSL and local and women owned businesses: Sage Aubrey and Soul Carrier.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Arizona and took a toll on any in-person events or gatherings, it became very clear to our board that we needed to get creative,” says Marisa Flores-Hilyer, event co-chair. While the Auxiliary Board typically hosts an annual luncheon each fall, the board recognized the need to pivot to an online fundraising opportunity.
“It has been an honor to work alongside Marisa, as co-chairs, and the entire Auxiliary Board as we put this event together in 6-weeks with the ultimate goal of supporting women in need,” says Rebecca Cohen-Collins, event co-chair.
Fresh Start and the Auxiliary Board extend their sincere gratitude to all who participated in the raffle and to our generous presenting sponsor: PetSmart. PetSmart has been a reliable and trusted Fresh Start supporter for many years and we were fortunate to have their involvement with this new fundraising venture.
All of the funds raised from Handbags with Heart will directly benefit the programs and services offered by Fresh Start to women in the community. Now, more than ever, more women are turning to Fresh Start to get help with job training, skills development, social work services and family law support.
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is excited to see the evolution of Handbags with Heart and looks forward to watching the Auxiliary Board grow in the future.
About Fresh Start Women’s Foundation: Since 1992, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation has been on a mission to provide education, resources and support for women to positively transform their lives and strengthen the community. The non-profit organization provides a variety of programs and services focusing on career, education, and life skills and offers supportive services to assist women over the age of 18 in reaching her full potential.
For more information, visit freshstartwomen.org or connect with us on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.