The Old Bags Luncheon in Palm Beach
A brief trip south to escape the cold winter can be so invigorating - even if it's for business.
If you follow my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48, you may have seen photos from my recent visit to Palm Beach, Florida. Among my commitments there, I was the keynote speaker for the annual Old Bags Luncheon developed by the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County. The 25th anniversary Silver Jubilee event was held at The Breakers Palm Beach and featured a silent auction of more than 300 brand new or gently used designer handbags. It's the organization's premiere fundraiser - raising money to operate behavioral health and wellness programs, provide family and child services, and raise awareness of mental health issues. It was a very fun and successful event for all who attended.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- I was so honored to be invited to speak at the annual Old Bags Luncheon. I talked about my Sports-Illustrated swimsuit cover, Snoop Dogg, and my 100th book, which I am working on now. (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
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- My hosts were the event chairs, Fernando Wong and Tim Johnson, internationally recognized leaders in garden design and landscape architecture. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- The event originally began in 1999 by a group of supporters who donated their gently used handbags for auction. 25-years later, there are hundreds donated – some old and others brand new from retail partners. Here they are displayed in the Ballroom of The Breakers Palm Beach Resort founded in 1896 by business magnate Henry M. Flagler. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- There was even a surprise bag from yours truly! (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
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- Here I am with Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger who received the inaugural Fashion and Philanthropy Award.
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- The morning started with an introductory gathering. Here I am with Fernando and Tim at the “Mimosas with Martha” VIP experience in the Magnolia Room. (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
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- The event included small bites passed around to all the guests… (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
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- … and of course, refreshments. (Photo by Michelle Kammerman/BFA.com)
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- More than 550 guests attended the event and crowded around the auction tables to see all the available handbags.(Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- In a silent auction, participants bid for items in writing instead of raising paddles or calling out. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- Everyone was given about two hours to place their bids. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- Here’s my longtime publicist and friend, Susan Magrino, with the Gucci bag she was eyeing.
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- Once the Silent Auction closed, it was time for lunch. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- Tables were set in cheerful spring colors.(Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- The first course was a chilled pea soup with caviar, crème fraiche, and herbs served alongside a chopped vegetable salad with lemon vinaigrette. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- The second course was pan seared North Atlantic salmon with sugar snap peas, haricots verts, rainbow carrots, and fingerling potatoes.(Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- Dessert was a trio of sweets – a silver white chocolate purse, a dark chocolate lollipop, and a strawberry petit four.(Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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- Here I am with my dear friend, Charlotte Beers at our table.
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- And then after lunch, a Q & A conversation with me and moderator Fernando. It was such a wonderful event for such a special cause. Please learn more about the Center for Family Services Palm Beach County at their web site, ctrfam.org. (Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART)
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