Handbags for Hope

LUNCHEON RAISES $163,000 TO BENEFIT ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL

More than 350 women descended on the Country Club at DC Ranch on Feb. 26 to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The silent auction featured dozens of stylish handbags from designers such as Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada. The silent auction raised more than $44,000.

Guests were also treated to the story of Sarah Ford, who shared the battles and victories she faced in her fight against cancer. Initially diagnosed with the most common form of childhood leukemia at two-and-a-half years old, Ford, despite only a 50/50 chance of survival, was cured of the disease seven years later with the help of her doctors at St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Now Ford gives back to the cancer community not only with her story but also through the work she does at St. Jude Children’s Hospital to raise money for childhood cancers.

Handbags for Hope was started to raise awareness of St. Jude’s work by Stars of Hope committee member Lisa Mailliard, mother of former St. Jude patient Nicky Mailliard. In total, the luncheon raised more than $163,000 that will go directly to the research and treatment of childhood cancers.

Gina and Joe Forster with guest

Carol and Scott Archer

Lisa Mailliard, April McGrath and John Householter

At top, the committee: Lisa Garber, Carol Archer, Karen Hoffman, Gina Forster, Diane Norris, Lisa Mailliard, April McGrath, Lieuen Kurucz, Leslie Koharko, Lori Kiggins and Susan Cabano