Guests of the fourth annual Power of Pink purse auction eye which purse they will place a bid on. There were about 20 purses for guests to bid on and many of them were accompanied with a bottle of wine, chocolates or a gift card to a local eatery. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

By Marissa Sweatland
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — Power of Pink, a champagne brunch and designer purse auction, held Sunday, Oct. 13, raised over $15,000 for Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund.

“This year was larger than previous years. More auction items and more attendees,” Julee Rauch, chairwoman of Power of Pink committee, reported. “Definitely thanks to all the generous donations of items and money to purchase the purses. I shop and curate the purse collection all year.”

Power of Pink is one of several events the committee organizes to raise funds. Earlier in the year, the committee hosted Glow Golf at Wawasee Golf Club and another charity golf event at Maxwelton Golf Club. All event proceeds go toward the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund.

In 2024, the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund has donated $118,414 to 72 clients throughout the county. These funds have been dispersed to help offset or cover the cost of rent and mortgages, utilities, car payments and rentals, gas and food certificates, car insurance and repairs, home insurance and repairs, life and health insurance, prescription medications and patient programs.

Sunday’s purse auction event boasted a long list of desirable designer purses. Designers included Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, Tumi, Tory Burch and Tommy Bahama. There were 20 purses donated for the event.

A special trio of purses were donated by designer Sharon Reinking of I’m A Jewel Designs. The trio of purses were hand-created especially for the Power of Pink event. The trio of purses are dedicated to three special cancer survivors in the designers’ life.

There were also several gift baskets for guests to bid on. Items in the gift baskets ranged from cut glass, French champagne, fancy chocolates, botox and salon essentials. Numerous purses were accompanied with bottles of wine and gift cards to various different local eateries and businesses.

The highest bid of the day was $775 for a Tory Burch leather bag.

“Planning and executing this event is a lot of work but a labor of love. Knowing it is helping people that need it, makes it all worth it,” Rauch gleamed. “I have been in this organization for 10 years and it is still rewarding.”

To learn more about the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund or to make a donation, click here.