NUKOLI‘I — There was a purse or bag for almost every person that attended the first-ever Passion for Purses, Sunday. Mary Navarro, director of Hale ‘Opio, said they sold more than 200 tickets and the capacity of the ballroom at
NUKOLI‘I — There was a purse or bag for almost every person that attended the first-ever Passion for Purses, Sunday.
Mary Navarro, director of Hale ‘Opio, said they sold more than 200 tickets and the capacity of the ballroom at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort is 240 people.
“This is really good for the first time we’re doing this,” she said. “Many ladies and Kaua‘i companies donated new purses, bags and totes of all sizes, shapes, colors and uses. Purse fillings were also specially selected to match a purse or a special theme.”
During the purse auction and high tea which was hosted by Ron Mizutani of KHON2 news, ladies could mingle through special sections housing more than 130 purses, taking time to pay attention to its contents.
“Ladies love purses,” said Lani Kawahara, Kaua‘i County Council member, who was browsing through the selection. “I’ve already placed several bids, taking into consideration the price range.”
Navarro said prices ranged from a low of $10 to $15 and worked upwards.
“We have a purse in the Live Auction section that has a week’s stay at the Marriott as its contents,” Navarro said. “That is worth several thousand dollars. We also have a signed body board by Jeff Hubbard, the 2009 International Bodyboarding Association World Champion. How do you put a price tag on that?”
One of the more exotic selections was a Python Bag made in Bali containing exotic stationary, greeting cards and a book mark made from genuine “Elephant Poo Poo.” That carried an estimated value of $1,800.
Navarro said in addition to the guests, it took many volunteers to put the event together.
“Today, we have more than 40 volunteers from the First Hawaiian Bank and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International,” Navarro said. “We also have the staff from Hale ‘Opio and the board members helping.”
Errol Ceballos and Jerry Nishihira provided the music which kept the ladies moving through the three sections of purses.
Joining Navarro on the “Purse Auction” committee were Debi Dill, Pam Christoffel, Carol Furtado, Phyllis Kunimura, Jessie Bonachita, Cameryn Ariola and Jeannie Odo.
Hale ‘Opio is a Kaua‘i United Way agency, and for more information call 245-2873.
