"Purse Project" Creates More than Change

The scene was more like a fire sale in the purse department of a major department store than what you’d expect at a fundraising event for a symphony orchestra. But there they were: 125 people closely examining almost 150 new and “pre-loved” purses – some from world-class designers – at the first-ever “Purse Party” benefiting the Redlands Symphony, held in the Redlands home of Matt and Jill Jordan on Thursday, March 5, 2014. The purses were offered for sale in both silent and live auctions. The live auction was presided over by Nathan Gonzales, assisted by Todd Loza. Proceeds from the event totaled over $21,500. All of the money will go to support the Symphony’s music education programs in local schools and its annual season of concerts. “We were extremely happy with the results of this first Purse Party,” said Ann Bryan, a member of the organizing committee who worked on the event. “It all kind of grew organically out of a good idea for a fundraiser. We had wonderful participation by local women who donated purses, underwriters who made cash donations to help pay for the event and the 125 people who attended the party, had fun and spent money on some fantastic purses.” In addition to Bryan, the organizing committee included Nancy Aplin, Mary Carruthers, Alexis Glaze, Shirley Harry, Kristin Hopkins, Jill Jordan, Kristin Pierce, Diana Reves and Nancy Spencer. Underwriters for the party included Vaughn Bryan, Mary Carruthers, Jan Eickman, Paul Ideker, Michelle Kavanaugh, Ann Leonard, Margaret-Ann Matague, Jean Milligan, Kristin Pierce and Diana Reves. Special thanks from the committee goes out to Chef Laurent Baillon, Delberta Callahan, College Shoe, Ryan Gallagher, Gerrad’s Market, Matt & Jill Jordan, The Link Crew from Citrus Valley High School, J.D. Meyers, P & R Paper, Party Plus, Trader Joes, Pathway Church. Danny Pierce, Roland Silva, Sucree and Rob Young. The list of purse donors includes Nancy Aplin, Carol Baker, Deborah Barmack, Carole Beswick, Denise Bourne, Jean Bozick, Christina Brady, Ann Bryan, Tracy Chaffee, Mary Carruthers, Freda England, Annette Frykman, Furla, Alexis Glaze, Rose Gonzales, Brenda Granado, Kristin Hopkins, Abby Hyman, Paul Ideker, Tricia Impert, Darce Lang, Melanie Lyons, Nanette Maloof, Michelle Markel, Margaret-Ann Matague, Camelia Mesrobian, Sue Miller, Jean Milligan, Mozart’s, Maureen O’Connell, Linda Ohikhuare, Susanne Pastuschek, Kristin Pierce, Cathy Portwood, Diana Reves, Deborah Robinson, Lynda Schauf, Susan Shimoff, Shop Suey boutique, Marilyn Solter, Leda Stockton, Janise Talley, Ellen Weis, Judy Wipf and Donna Zarojewski. The next Redlands Symphony social event will be the 2014 Gala and Dancing with the Stars Showcase, which will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014, in Orton Center at the University of Redlands.