The premise of the Old Bags Luncheon is simple: High-end handbags stored away in closets are resurrected as desirable auction items. According to Becky Jackson, president and CEO of Homeward Bound, supporters come back year after year to join the excitement of the event. 34 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | OCTOBER 2018

a down payment on her own home. This type of success comes through the efforts of countless community advocates, corporate partners and the organization’s strong leadership, who all join forces to move the charity’s mission forward. The strength of Homeward Bound’s community advocates is on display at the Old Bags Luncheon, an event the community has rallied around for two decades. Influential women gather throughout the year at “Purse Parties” to gather with friends and donate handbags. The parties provide a chance for ladies to swap out handbags collecting dust in their closets for a “new-to-them” purse that can be purchased at the Old Bags Luncheon. Corporate partners like Neiman Marcus are instrumental to the event’s success. Each year, in addition to donating a bag or two from its collection, the store hosts fashion-oriented events to promote and collect donations for the luncheon. “Neiman Marcus has been proud to support Homeward Bound and its mission to service the needs of families going through challenges,” said Kitty Broderick, public relations manager for Neiman Marcus. “Through this vital program, families are given the opportunity to thrive.” The store’s largest contribution comes in the form of the fashion show it hosts at the luncheon. This year it will feature Escada’s new line, which is appropriate because the brand is a champion for women. Through its #followyourheart campaign, Escada empowers women around the world by donating 5 percent of proceeds from the FW18 GIVING IN STYLE CONTINUED OCTOBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 35