Bubbles floated through the air as women entered Roundhouse Depot Brewing Co. in Bellefontaine Tuesday night. The room was filled with women holding glasses of wine and mugs of beer while hunting through their purses for items like sunglasses, stamps and spoons.
This was all part of a Women United (WU) of Logan County event called Bubbles, Brews and Bags.
Seen as a precursor to their annual Power of the Purse fundraiser to take place in the spring, the night drew women from around the county. Besides enjoying food and fellowship, attendees donated new or gently used handbags and bought tickets for a 50/50 drawing and a raffle.
So, why purses? “Because it’s not just a thing to carry stuff in,” organizer Ashley Spence said. “It’s also a symbol of how we keep our lives together.”
Spence, who serves as resource coordinator at the United Way and WU liaison, began planning Tuesday’s event with her team several months ago as a way to gather bags for the spring fundraiser. They got the idea from a sister WU group in Springfield. And since Kathy Troyer—co-owner of Roundhouse—is a “wonderful supporter” of the Logan County chapter, Spence knew just where to host their gathering.
With more than 70 women in attendance, the night far exceeded the goal of at least 40. And thanks to the generosity of these women, Women United of Logan County left with dozens of donated purses and over $450.
The evening also emphasized the Lunch Buddy mentor program through the Bellefontaine Intermediate School, which pairs a WU member with a third-grade student. Principal Krista Adelsberger spoke briefly about the program.
“Kids come in every day with needs I didn’t even dream of when I was their age,” Adelsberger said. “You don’t realize how excited students get when adults enter the room. They’re craving conversation.”
Besides being a WU member, women who wish to participate must also go through a background check. They will then meet with their assigned child once a month through the school year.
An affinity of the United Way, Women United seeks to enrich and inspire its community through service and mentor opportunities. To become a member, visit uwlogan.org/women-united.