ESTHER SHORT — The all-volunteer members of Assistance League Southwest Washington recently celebrated the success of their 21st annual Sleigh Bell Benefit. Held at the Hilton Vancouver Washington, all of the net funds will help finance local philanthropic programs. The Dec. 4 fundraiser was one of their most successful to date.
President Bette Ludden welcomed 314 attendees to the “Tis the Season” luncheon. Attendees partook in various fun and fundraising activities: silent and live auctions, boutique and hostess gift shopping and other opportunities to bid for prizes. Tanisha Harris and Temple Lentz served as presenters and auctioneers.
Annette Kleinfelter, the event’s guest speaker and the CEO of AK Ingenuity, spoke of the pilot program with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, which assists teen girls moving from foster care to independent living. Assistance League Southwest Washington is providing its assistance with the pilot program, its newest philanthropic endeavor, through its support of AK Ingenuity.
“Pass The Purse” concluded the event. A donated designer purse with gift cards inside and valued at $500 was passed around the room to the attendees, who could place cash, gift cards and other miscellaneous donations inside. The auction of the loaded purse prompted 10 minutes of back-and-forth bidding. The winning bid was $3,500.
