Cottage Designs is fashioning area women while simultaneously helping Maureen’s Hope Foundation.
Owner Deb Case has organized a unique fundraiser touted as the 100 Handbag Silent Auction. Through Oct. 15, customers can visit the shop, browse the collection of numerous bags 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.”
The auction features handbags, totes, evening bags and flat wallets from a range of designers including Coach, Badgely Mischka, Etienne Aigner, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Liz Claiborne, Nine West, Italian bags from Florence, as well as some handcrafted bags.
“Some are new designer bags, and some are gently used. Some even traveled as far as Seattle, Wash. and Jupiter, Fla.,” Case said.
Proceeds from the auction will benefit Maureen’s Hope, which 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.
“Most of our donations came from private individuals that understand the important work this organization does,” Case said adding that Barb Donaghey of the Nantucket Cat in Baldwinsville donated three bags from her store, as well as several merchants from the second floor co-op at Cottage Designs.
“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.
“[Susan] has shown her kindness with so many in need,” Case said. “I wanted to host this fundraiser to help support her efforts.”
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.
