Nov. 4, 2013

Old Bags Luncheon

: Ellie Ziegler and Rubin Singer

: Amanda Hicks, Homeward Bound graduate

: Lynn Love, Nan Howlett, Julie Newcomb and Priscilla Nicholas

: Barbara Ralston, executive director Homeward Bound

: Rubin Singer Spring 2014 Collection on the runway, presented by Neiman Marcus

: Faye Fredricks, 12 News Today anchor

: Patty Palmer and Christina Rubalcava

: Annie Sells, Brenda Howard, Julie Horne, Antoinette Hrudka, Paula Smalley and Priscilla Nicholas

: Missy Anderson, Lisa Shapiro and Julie Horne

: Tracey Lytle and Jackie Dollander

: Linda Morris, Renae Reed, Pat Grillos and Darleen Woodson

: Melissa Rein-Lively

: Tammy Kennedy

: Clarissa Robinson, Heather Novak and Katherine Flader

: Angela Karp and Jaimee Rose

: McKenzie Perini and Summer Ross

: Nancy Larson and Kim Olson

: Jennifer Moser

: Rubin Singer and Ina Manaster, honorary chair

: Emily Mann

: Deborah Kimes and Jody Sarchett

: Lani Calbert and Hope Levin

: Charlene Whitfill, Terry Cole and Debbie Rudy

: Luncheon tables under the tent

: Co-chairs Jill Krigsten and Donna Johnson

: Lauren Elligton and Angel Sierpina

: Bijen Dyrek, Eileen Yeung and AJ Contris

: Linda Morris, Pat Grillos and Darlene Woodson

: Amy Isom, co-chair Donna Johnson and Ann Fuller

: Lisa Pagel, public relations manager Neiman Marcus, and Rubin Singer

The 10^th anniversary of the Old Bags Luncheon to benefit Homeward Bound was a lively party centered around the theme of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. The Oct. 28 party at the Arizona Biltmore featured whimsical touches throughout, both in the ballroom for the silent auction and at the luncheon tables under the tent on the lawn, and many guests answered the call to wear hats for the occasion.

A record 610 guests, mostly women, showed up to circle the silent auction tables overspilling with 545 new and gently used handbags donated by committee members. Their efforts netted $365,000, with donations still coming in. A raffle for a trip to London added to the coffers as well.

During the luncheon program, Homeward Bound graduate Amanda Hicks delivered a moving account of turning her life around, putting her on a path to successful parenting and money management.

A highlight of the occasion was a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus, featuring on the runway the 2014 Spring Collection by Rubin Singer.

About admin

Old Bags Luncheon

This is a winning combination: 550 designer handbags, 580 well-dressed women, a few sips of wine, lunch, a fashion show by Neiman Marcus and a hugely worthy cause. This formula has worked for nine years at the Old Bags Luncheon, including the Oct. 29 affair. The lively occasion benefits Homeward Bound, which provides transitional housing and comprehensive social services to families with children fleeing domestic violence and/or homelessness.

The full silent-auction tables at the sold-out event meant a handbag for nearly every woman (if she was persistent enough to secure the winning bid). In all, the noontime occasion raised $350,000.

Lunch was served under the tent on the Arizona Biltmore lawn. Black-and-white cloths in stripes or polka dots topped the tables, where piggy-bank take-home favors awaited each guest, befitting the “change” theme. “Change” is what Homeward Bound mom Cara Smith shared as she movingly told her story of the second chance Homeward Bound offered her and her daughter Kayleigh.

Donna Johnson and Jill Krigsten co-chaired the luncheon.

Photos by Ashley Lowery

About admin

Old Bags Luncheon

The Arizona Biltmore was the scene of the lively eighth annual Old Bags Luncheon to support Homeward Bound.

The committee had gathered 502 bags that were categorized on tables by type or sometimes by color. In addition, there was an assortment of jewelry, also available for bid. The 500 mostly female guests circled auction tables in the main ballroom, testing handbags on their shoulders, bidding on their favorites, sipping champagne and checking the status of their bids.

Robert Burg Design created beautiful luncheon tables under the tent on the lawn. Apothecary jars filled with green, yellow and blue jellybeans were set inside green-apple wreaths. Mini domed cake stands held cupcakes for the guests and were among the party favors. Each guest also was given a fascinator, and many clipped it into their hair for the afternoon, which included a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus.

Kari Yatkowski was the day’s honoree, recognized for her generosity and leadership. Sherry Conquest, who calls herself the Chief Old Bag, is the founder of the event and has served as its chair since its inception.

Old Bags Luncheon

About admin

Old Bags Luncheon

About admin

Old Bags Luncheon

About admin

From Frontdoors Magazine

Spring 2025 Cover Story: A Force for Good

Next Doors: The Future of Philanthropy

From the Road: A Taste of Wine Country

Kitchen Doors: Carry On Takes Off