Anonymous handbag donation supports local San Diego nonprofit

Thanks to a generous gift from longtime supporters, the 13th Annual Bags & Baubles fundraiser on April 28 will include 131 designer handbags, luggage, and accessories with an estimated value of more than $200,000. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE), which provides help for critically ill pets and their families. The collection includes limited edition collector pieces and vintage bags dating back to the 1990s in great condition, according to FACE Executive Director Stash McCollough.

An anonymous Beverly Hills couple donated the collection, called “Heavenly Handbags,” as part of an estate gift. The couple, who wanted no fanfare for their generosity over the years, were committed to the foundation’s mission to provide pets with life-saving veterinary care and ending “economic euthanasia,” putting pets “to sleep” because families can’t afford the often high cost of treatment. The couple had no children, but their beloved German Shepherds, Odin and Urly, were a big part of their lives. 

The collection will be put up for in-person online bidding at Bags & Baubles from 1pm to 5pm at a Rancho Santa Fe estate. If unable to attend in person, supporters can still place bids online, but everyone must register for the event and purchase a ticket.

Bags & Baubles will also include additional designer bags, sunglasses, clothing, menswear, fine jewelry, and a “cash and carry” section with more than 200 pieces of costume jewelry priced from $5 to $50. Complimentary wine, appetizers, and desserts will be served.