By Mark Ambrogi
Tracy Miller figures everyone loves to get a good deal on a handbag or purse, especially when it’s for a good cause.
The fifth annual Bags to Riches, a donation and resale fundraiser, is set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21 in room K130 at IU Health North Hospital, 11700 N. Meridian St., Carmel.
“We basically sell gently used handbags, tote bags, golf bags, wristlets and purses,” said Miller, director of philanthropy of IU Health North. “And 100 percent goes to our patients in need.”
Miller said the goal is to raise $5,000 at the fundraiser.
Bags are priced to sell, starting at $1. Some higher-end bags are on the silent auction table with bid pages.
“We had a Chanel purse go for $500 in the auction in the past,” Miller said.
The collection period is March 25 to April 15. The bags can be dropped off at IU North. In addition, two senior living communities, Carmel Health & Living, 118 Medical Dr., and Copper Trace, 1250 W. 146th St., Westfield, serve as drop-off points.
“The more bags we get in, the more money we make for our patients,” she said.
Miller said the first four Bags to Riches have generated approximately $15,000 for patients in need.
The funds are used for patients’ transportation to and from the hospital.
“Sometimes people arrive after an accident, and they can’t go home in the clothes they arrived in because they could be soiled, torn or ripped, so we get them something to wear,” Miller said. “We provide food vouchers. For example, (if) a child is lifelined from the northern part of the state and the family is in tow, we provide food for the first night to help them so they can get settled here. So it’s patient support that is desperately needed in a time of crisis.”
The hospital’s social work department runs the sale. The donations are tax deductible. There is no fee for sale entry and no parking fee. Cash, checks and major credit cards are accepted.
