North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Joyce Thomas
It was an evening of laughter, lively bidding and high style as the GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club hosted its annual “Purses with Purpose” Charity Event at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes — and this year, the charity tradition reached a new milestone.
Now in its 13th year, the club’s signature “Girls Night Out for Charity” drew approximately 350 guests for a night that blended generosity with entertainment, ultimately raising a record-breaking $102,000 to support local charities.
The evening began with a festive atmosphere as guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and browsed one of the largest silent auctions in the event’s history. Organized by Vickie Harman and her team, the auction featured 65 baskets filled with gifts, experiences and certificates generously donated by local businesses and club members.
Tables decorated with magnolia blooms and spring florals set the tone for the celebration, while local vocalists Marlisa Small and Deb Browning provided live music during the dinner hour. A PowerPoint presentation created by Diane Talbot highlighting the club’s charitable work and community impact played across two large screens, reminding guests of the purpose behind the evening’s fun.
Then came the main event.
As the live auction began, a lineup of local men took to the stage, each modeling a designer handbag with flair, humor and just enough theatrics to energize the crowd. From playful struts to full-on dance routines, the models turned bidding into a show of their own — all in the name of charity. A few top models producing the highest bids came from Ace Parker cooling it with a Prada tote from Stephanie Heagen, Everette Sands prancing to Jenna Duke’s Christian Louboutin, Jimi Kaltsunis looking cute with Jessica Bell’s mini Fendi, Jim Quick going wild in Patti Smith’s Brahmin Retro Jungle bag, Rich Perrault cavorting Vanna White’s Michael Kors Crossbody, Alex Wober throwing it down for Mom’s (Melissa Wober) Cuoieria Florentina Italian tote and Aaron Osbor topping off the highest bid for Lauren Roger’s Gucci Monogram Blooms purse!
The always-popular “Bubbles and Bling” raffle added to the excitement. The “Bubbles” prize featured a wheelbarrow brimming with 80 bottles of wine, while the “Bling” included an eye-catching collection of jewelry, from Julie Vos bracelets to vintage pearls and Swarovski crystal pieces.
Throughout the evening, the community spirit that has defined the event for more than a decade was unmistakable.
“This was our 13th year hosting this event and we continue to have overwhelming support from the community,” said event chairperson Jeri McCumbee, who co-emceed the evening with Ryan Robinson from Global Truth Entertainment. “This kind of success is only possible because of our sponsors, our purse contributors, the models and our club members.”
The event also honored a standout member of the community with the Inspiration Award, sponsored this year by North Myrtle Beach Mayor Jay Baldwin. The award recognizes a woman whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact. This year’s honoree, Marilyn Hatley, was recognized for her 25 years of service as mayor of North Myrtle Beach.
Support from sponsors played a key role in the event’s success. Elliott Realty returned as title sponsor, joined by Jake’s Heating and Cooling, Touch Med Spa, Hamburger Joe’s, Carolina Trust, The Citizens Bank, CCNB, CENTURY 21 Thomas and Daughters of Elvis. Additional sponsors included a $500 “Stash Cash” giveaway sponsored by Seagreen Lawn and a photo booth sponsored by Purpleologist.
Proceeds from the event will benefit organizations that support youth, women and individuals in need throughout the community, as well as the club’s Domestic Violence Initiatives — ensuring that the impact of this annual charity event will be felt long after the final bid was placed.
The GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club, a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, continues to serve the North Strand through volunteerism and charitable giving. More information about the club is available at www.northmyrtlebeachwomansclub.org.
