Heroes for Children: Heroes and Handbags Event

Jenny Scott, Leah Haberer (recipient of Spirit of Allie & Taylor award) and Larissa Linton

The annual “Heroes and Handbags” luncheon drew more than 600 women and a sprinkling of men there to raise funds for the charity that provides financial and social assistance to families with children battling cancer. Women and men alike were dressed to the nines all for a good cause. The Heroes and Handbags luncheon is a charity even for Heroes for Children. During this event, the most fashionable handbags are set up for attendees to bid on. Bidding is made extremely easy, instead of using the sticker system like most silent auctions, Heroes for Children has acquired text message bidding which made the event more interactive, effective, and exciting. We are all on our phones constantly as it is, so why not use our phones to bid?

While walking through the gallery of 280 must have bags, women (and a few men) gawked over the latest designers while silently bidding on their phone. Ladies were in texting wars back and forth for their favorite handbags which resulted in over $93,000 in donations from handbag bids that will go directly to Heroes for Children and the families that they serve. This isn’t just a silent auction, Heroes for Children made this event very fun and upbeat by providing a DJ to spin some lively music. After the bidding period ended, we headed into the Ballroom for an amazing brunch. Many women chatted with old friends and made new ones. During the brunch, The Spirit of Allie and Taylor award was presented to Leah Haberer for her hard work and dedication to Heroes with Children. All proceeds from the event will support Heroes for Children’s efforts to provide assistance to families in Texas with a child battling cancer, including such basic needs as transportation to hospitals, rent and utilities.

Do you want to get involved with Heroes for Children? It’s simple. You can donate, fund raise or volunteer.

• Donate money, as much or as little as you can. Every penny helps. Donate items for the Wish List. Items needed include Play-doh (one time use only – more is always needed),Crayons and coloring books, Toys (no stuffed animals), Miniature Toiletries (tooth paste, tooth brushes, shampoos and conditioners, deodorant, etc.), Gas Cards, Gift Cards to Target or Walmart. Please keep in mind all of these items must be NEW, not used.
• Join the Superheroes Birthday Club. The SBC is a membership club for kids who want to be heroes by helping families with children with cancer. This kids-helping-kids program incorporates giving through children’s birthday parties, and teaches kids the value of giving to others. With tools provided by Heroes for Children, you can have a successful event to benefit cancer families in Texas! In lieu of gifts, collect funds for Heroes for Children for your birthday and be a HERO this year!
• Participate in Krogers Neighbor to Neighbor Program.  This is SO simple. If you shop at Kroger, bring this letter with you next time. When you’re checking out, hand the letter to the cashier along with your Kroger plus card. That’s it!
• Volunteer your time. Volunteers are key to the organization. They are always in need of volunteers at our events, as well as for various activities throughout the year. Whether it is chairing a committee, working on a committee, or simply volunteering in an event, Heroes for Children needs your help! Volunteers are needed for Planning Committees, Office Work, Events/Programs, Public Relations and Major Donations.