FORT MYERS, FLA., February 4, 2020 – Handbag Happy Hour is returning to Fort Myers Wednesday, March 25, with celebrity handbags and lots more to be auctioned to benefit Valerie’s House and The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation at The Shell Factory.
“We are so excited to bring this fabulous event back after a 13-year hiatus,” said Pam Cronin, event chair and owner of The Shell Factory and Nature Park. “We have several celebrity handbags already and we hope to have 100 or more new or previously loved handbags from celebrities and local supporters.”
Cronin and her committee are currently soliciting new and gently loved handbags, pet items and men’s accessories for the event at The Standard Restaurant in downtown Fort Myers.
Donated items can be delivered to The Standard Restaurant at 1520 Broadway, next door at the Seed & Bean Market and at The Shell Factory on U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers. Pick up of items also can be arranged by calling 239-410-1929.
“Havana Nights” is the theme for this year’s event with Flamenco dancers, bongo drummers and Cuban cigars setting the mood for the evening. Mojitos and Cuban appetizers are included in the ticket price of $50 per person or $800 for a reserved table of eight. Sponsorships also are available at $1,000 to $3,000.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.shellfactory.com
Downtown Diva Stephanie Davis and Wine Aficionado Gina Birch will share emcee duties for the live auction of a few select celebrity handbags. The majority of items will be offered in a silent auction.
Event sponsors at The Standard Restaurant, The Shell Factory and Nature Park, Florida Weekly and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.
All proceeds will benefit Valerie’s House, which helps grieving children heal after the loss of a parent or loved one, and The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, which provides transportation funding for Lee County school children to visit the park. Both organizations are not-for-profit and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
About Valerie’s House
Valerie’s House is the first and only organization in Southwest Florida with the sole mission to help children grieve the loss of a loved one. With locations in Fort Myers, Naples and Punta Gorda, Valerie’s House is a special place where children connect with one another and learn the tools to heal after they have experienced the death of someone they love. At Valerie’s House, children know others their own age, and they learn that loss doesn’t have to limit their dreams. In addition to a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Valerie’s House is a family of others grieving. Many have also gone through the same journey and help children see that there is hope. Valerie’s House is fully supported through community donations that can be made online at www.valerieshouseswfl.org or by mail to Valerie’s House, Inc., P.O. Box 1955, Fort Myers, FL 33902.
About The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation
The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation is located at The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers and provides new and enhanced habitats, nutritious meals and enrichment for the animals, birds, reptiles and fish that call the Nature Park home. Contributions also provide funding for transportation for Lee County School students to visit the park. The organization’s mission is to provide an educational and fun experience for local school children by providing the opportunity to learn about and explore the animals and the environment. For more information or to make a tax-deductible gift, visit www.shellfactorynaturepark.com .