As the doors to the River Oaks Country Club dining room opened at 10 a.m., the ladies poured in, at final count some 375 strong, each bidding earnestly on the 170 must-have handbags that were on the auction block.
The annual Heroes & Handbags luncheon benefiting Heroes for Children had a new twist this year — bidding by text. The texting wars kept the shopping animated and the prices climbing.
The texting wars kept the shopping animated and the prices climbing.
Carrie Evans chaired the luncheon while Jo Veeningen headed the silent auction. Among the desired offerings were "it" bags, retailing at more than $2,000 each, that included Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Susie Straubmueller, Louis Vuitton and the iconic serpenti handbag by Bulgari, which retails for $2,300.
Heroes for Children executive director Kristy Hensel came in from Dallas for the event while Heroes for Children founder Larissa Linton was there to present the Spirit of Allie and Taylor Award. That honor went to Heroes for Children board member Karen Baerenstecher, who volunteers year-round for the non-profit that provides financial and social assistance to families of children battling cancer.
Supporters in the mix included Luvi Wheelock, Tricia Dewhurst, Karen Turner-Smith, Virginia Steppe, Alissa Maples, Elaine Turner, Aimee Snoots, Chay Taylor, Faith Majors, Sarah Deutser and Donae Cangelosi Chramosta.
Kristen Parks, left, and Jennifer Quinn at the Heroes for Children benefit luncheon.
