Locals buy purses to benefit CEDARS

On Thursday, hundreds showed up at the Cornhusker Marriott to bid on purses.

Why?  For charity.

It’s the 15th annual Power of the Purse.

One–hundred percent of the proceeds go to CEDARS.

“There’s purses for every budget and that’s what I love about this event,” said bidder Jan Zoucha.  “The first purse that I ever bought — I would never spend that much money in the store — but I spent that much money here and got a really great, quality purse because it all went to the CEDARS kids.”

CEDARS is a local organization that provides emergency shelters, foster homes and other youth services to strengthen families.

President and CEO Jim Blue said this is their biggest fundraiser of the year.

“There are over 1,000 kids that we work with today at CEDARS and, unfortunately, about 250 of those are living with us in our emergency shelter or foster homes,” Blue said.  “So it’s really important work that gets more and more busy every year.”

There were around 190 purses and handbags.  Fifteen came from well–known women in the community, including one donated by Channel 8’s own Megan Conway.

Bidders said between the live music and social setting, it’s also just a good time.

“When you can bring women, wine, purses — and all for kids — you can’t fail,” Zoucha said.  “It’s a great party.”

As of 9:45 Thursday night, CEDARS said the event raised $25,000.