Pacific Power of the Purse Raises $3,000 for United Way

This was the fourth Power of the Purse fund-raiser in Pacific. The event was also held in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Ron Sullivan, Josh Spuhl, Josh Sachs, Fire Chief Rick Friedmann, Brad Reed, Dennis Oliver and Patrick Pharr modeled purses as auctioneer Brian Knight used his over-the-top enthusiasm to encourage 47 ladies to up the previous bid.

Participants also bid on 24 purses in a silent auction, including a St. Louis Cardinals tote with Cardinals tickets inside valued at $260, an authentic Fossil small saddlebag with a $218 value, a khaki Coach bag with persimmon trim valued at over $300, a red quilted Brighton bag valued at over $100, a Coach leather satchel valued at $398 and a rolling Anne Klein city bag with telescoping handle valued at $200.

This event raised over $3,000.

“It was such a fun event,” said Paula Obermark, United Way executive director. “Everyone seemed to have a great time.”

Some of the United Way agencies that will benefit from this event include Agape Help House of Pacific, the Tri-County Community Senior Center and the Literacy Council, which serves adult learners in the area. The council is looking for adult tutor volunteers and interested adult learners.

Most of the models said they wanted to do it again next year.

“Pacific is such a wonderful community,” Hubbard said. “It is evident that community members care about others through support of events such as the United Way Power of the Purse.”