Shopping and wine? Sign us up! Heart Association to hold benefit Tuesday
When Alexandra Clancy launched her luxury handbag collection in New York City in 2015, her goal was to help unite the worlds of fashion and philanthropy.
She formed a partnership with Dress for Success, and for every bag sold, a work bag is donated to the nonprofit organization that provides “support, guidance and professional attire to disadvantaged women in 21 countries.”
Which is why her donations of two of the bags to the “Pinot & Purses” silent auction is so fitting. The event, beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Salon U, 1719 State St., benefits the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign to empower women to take charge of their health. Admission is $20.
“Both are large bucket bags, one the color of stone and the other cognac. Each have price tags of more than $900, but the wonderful thing about this auction is that the purses are often sold for less than that,” said Angela Miller-Bevan, who is in charge of the event as business development director for AHA in Santa Barbara.
Another interesting fact is that Ms. Clancy is the widow of best-selling espionage novelist Tom Clancy, author of “The Hunt for Red October,” “Patriot Games,” “Clear and Present Danger and “The Sum of All Fears.” He sold 100 million books worldwide.
The brand-new Alexandra Clancy bags will be in the silent auction that includes vintage and gently used handbags.
“We also have a new black leather Fendi clutch, and quite a few Coach bags, one of which is a lovely spring yellow,” said Mrs. Miller-Bevan, 53. “So far, we have more than 30 donations. Everyone who donates a gently used designer purse receives one free ticket for admission.”
While pondering their bids, guests will sip on wines donated by Au Bon Climat, Santa Barbara Winery, Pali Wines and Talley Vineyards.
“Besides the pinot noir, there will be chardonnay, and appetizers contributed by Creative Services Catering. Jewelry by MAD Dreams designs will also be available for sale,” said Mrs. Miller-Bevan, who became involved with the Heart Association 10 years ago as a volunteer.
“My son, Austin Miller, was diagnosed with a heart condition as a child. We thought he was going to need open heart surgery at UCLA but were advised to wait because of all the rapid changes in heart research. Now, he is 24 and when it is necessary, he will have non-invasive surgery in Santa Barbara, which goes to show the importance of raising money for research.”
Angela Miller-Bevan displays a plethora of purses while holding a glass of pinot noir in front of the American Heart Association office. The handbags will be auctioned at “Pinot & Purses” on Tuesday at Salon U to raise funds for AHA’s Go Red for Women Campaign.
IF YOU GO
“Pinot & Purses” will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Salon U, 1719 State St. Tickets are $20 online at goredsb.heart.org. Those who donate a gently used designer purse for the silent auction will receive free admission. Proceeds benefit the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign. For more information, call 979-5286 or email sbevents@heart.org.
