Oprah donates handbags to York Hospital auction
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November 01, 2012 2:00 AM
YORK, Maine A Versace handbag once used and signed by Oprah Winfrey are among the items that will be auctioned online and at a sold-out event later this month to raise money for York Hospital's breast care program.
The "pink pals" who organized the event Ellen Baldwin, Cathy Barnhorst, Barbara Conda and Leslie Ware said they never dreamed that Winfrey would respond to such a request, but they were blown away when she did.
In trying to get celebrities to donate handbags to the auction, called "Santa's Got a Brand New Bag," they asked committee member Leisa Smith, a York Hospital dietitian, to contact Winfrey.
Knowing it would be quite the feat, the team created ! a video in which they sang a song asking for Winfrey's support. The video was uploaded to the hospital's YouTube page in early August and was shared via many social media channels.
After only two weeks and about 1,800 views, the hospital learned that Winfrey would be glad to donate a signed handbag to the event. A few days later, two large boxes arrived at York Hospital containing not one, but seven designer handbags from Marc Jacobs to Ferragamo that were signed by, and once used by, her. A Versace bag of hers is available for online auction.
The online and live auction raises money for York Hospital's Breast Cancer Living Well Program, a fund that helps create programs and services for those going through breast cancer treatment.
The sold-out "Santa's Got A Brand New Bag" event will be held Thursday, Nov. 15, at Portsmouth Harbor Events and Conference Center in Portsmouth, N.H. Because of popular demand, a waiting list has started.
More than 20 bags are now available to bid on online, including the Versace handbag.
For information, or to bid online, visit www.yorkhospital.com and click on the "Santa's Got a Brand New Bag" event button, or call York Hospital's Friendraising office at (207) 351-2385 or e-mail fr@yorkhospital.com.
