Cottage Designs invites everyone to name their price – for a handbag, that is.
Owner Deb Case has brought back a unique fundraiser touted as Handbags for Hope. Through Oct. 31, customers can visit the shop, browse the collection of numerous donated handbags and bid on their favorites. “The process is relatively simple – if there’s a bag you wish to bid on, you simply place your bid at our store counter,” Case said. “If the bidder is outbid and wants another opportunity to bid on that specific item, we will contact you and give you the option to increase your bid amount. This is one aspect that makes this so special. You have more than a few hours to bid on a bag.” This year’s auction features new and gently used handbags, totes, wallets and evening bags that range from high end designers to Italian leathers and cloths to Vera Bradley. “You name it and it’s here from all over the country,” she said, adding that donations came from not only Baldwinsville residents, but from people across the country. “This is largely due to the help of Rockette Brunetti who is one of the most generous, caring individuals in our village.” In addition to getting a great price on a purse, bidders will also be contributing to Maureen’s Hope Foundation, which will receive all of the proceeds from the silent auction. According to Case, last year’s inaugural event raised more than $2,500 for the local not-for-profit and, as a result, was able to assist many families in need within the community. Maureen’s Hope is a local organization offering support and assistance to people facing the challenges of cancer and other life threatening illness. According to the foundation’s website (maureenshope.org), “There are many needs that patients have when faced with a life altering disease that cannot be met by the medical community and we hope to fulfill some of those needs. Maureen’s Hope caters to the personal needs of individuals facing these challenges by providing gift baskets and services that offer comfort and strength as well as helping to improve their quality of life.” In addition to gift baskets, Maureen’s Hope also provides patients with a cleaning service for their home; meals for the family; wigs and hats; complementary therapy such as reiki or massage; and assistance with fundraising events to help families with medical expenses. “The generosity of our community is always so heartwarming and I am so thankful to Deb and all the wonderful women that donated handbags. It allows Maureen’s Hope to continue what we do and make a difference right here in our community today,” said Susan Bertrand, founder of Maureen’s Hope Foundation. “This is important to me, as it will help so many in need locally, that truly need it,” Case said. “I also have the ability to showcase these donations for a month in our party room at Cottage Designs.” Those interested in checking out the collection can visit Cottage Designs at 25 Syracuse St. in Baldwinsville. The handbags are on display in the wine room of the onsite restaurant, Olives Eatery, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Bidding begins Tuesday, Oct. 2, and will continue through Wednesday, Oct. 31. “I would encourage every woman in our community to visit and bid on one of these bags, as we are all so very fortunate,” Case said. “And you can rest assured that Susan Bertrand will disperse of the proceeds accordingly to those in need.”