By the time auctioneer Lenny Broberg closed the live auction, BCEF’s This Old Bag: The Power of the Purse had broken all records and raised $225,000 for BCEF clients battling breast cancer. Oh, what a night it was! Did we mention that American Idol Season 9 Winner Lee DeWyze attended? The elegant St. Regis San Francisco hosted the 6th annual handbag auction presented by Kaiser Permanente. Event Co-Chairs Hilary Newsom Callan and Elizabeth Thieriot led a host committee that included Beatrice Amblard, Marilyn Cabak, Mark Calvano, Michelle Curtis, Diane Easterwood, Joel Goodrich, Barbara Klein, Veronica LaBeau, Elaine LaMastra, Carolyn Lee, Hon. Fiona Ma, Bahya Oumlil-Murad, Claudia Ross, Donna Sachet, Lori Puccinelli Stern, Alan Svenson, Elyssa Cahill Thorp and Beth Townsend. Over 425 people enjoyed cocktails and nibbles while mingling among 250 designer and vintage handbags.

The live auction opened with a surprise – a $50,000 gift from the estate of Bella Farrow, founder of This Old Bag and beloved friend of BCEF. Then paddles were raised to win fabulous items such as a SWISS International Air Lines travel package, a Tahoe PlumpJack Getaway paired with a Tiffany & Co. tote, and a marvelous Los Angeles Travel Package that included the LA Lakers, Fairmont Santa Monica bungalow, Bloomingdale’s and a tour of the set of General Hospital. Lee DeWyze joined Lenny onstage to rally the bids. One item, a vintage Hermès Kelly bag donated by Elizabeth Thieriot, was pre-sold to long-time BCEF supporter Judith Branch for $13,000! Hilary Newsom Callan then spoke on behalf of our clients and led an inspirational Fund a Need paddle raiser. What better way to close the night than with a stunning serenade by Lee DeWyze (we love you, Lee!).

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, 100% of all ticket and auction sales directly benefit people in need. Thank you to Elizabeth Thieriot, Ross Stores, Bloomingdale’s, Delysium Events, Safeway, Professional Business Women of California, The Fairmont San Francisco, Oakland A’s Community Foundation, Judith Branch, Shultz Family Fund, Rose Coyle & Greg Boudreaux, Pacific Union Real Estate Community Fund, Melissa Callison, Doris Fisher, Bill & Carolyn Lee, Luxor Cab, William A. Newsom, John D. Rosin, Sharon Tetlow, DeDe Wilsey, Polly Wingfield, Yellow Cab, Antoinette Kaylor & Jerry Applegate, Michelle & Zane Edwards, Neil Figurelli, Green Cab, Cynthia Hester, Jordan, Miller & Associates, Rhonda Bray Mahendroo, Elaine A. Mellis, Drucilla Stender Ramey, Heather Renshaw, Cynthia Schreuder, and Mary Skinner and Janeen Smith. Thanks also to our wonderful media sponsor San Francisco Magazine and our divine champagne sponsor Domain Chandon. Additional beverage sponsors included Cline Wines and Russian Standard Vodka. Very special thanks to Trina Turk whose scarves and bags brought comfort and joy to everyone in attendance. And our other special gift bag & ambiance donors: One Kings Lane, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., 100% Pure and Cherries Flowers.

Thank you to all of our guests for remembering BCEF clients with every bid. Thank you, thank you, on behalf of the 350 people battling breast cancer who will benefit from This Old Bag – THANK YOU!