Hope in a Handbag 2026

One of St. Louis’ most anticipated events, Hope in a Handbag, returns April 16, 2026. Tickets are now on sale!

Hope in a Handbag is where fashion meets philanthropy. Mark your calendars for April 16, 2026 from 6-9 p.m. at Hilton Frontenac.

What Is Hope in a Handbag?

Hope in Handbag is the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition’s signature fundraising event to support children impacted by foster care. Guests enjoy an elevated experience featuring:

Why It Matters

Children impacted by foster care deserve stability, opportunity, and support. Proceeds from Hope in a Handbag provide:

Featuring Local St. Louis Artist: Brock Seals

Art Meets Fashion! Watch Brock Seals paint a one-of-a-kind piece live at Hope in a Handbag. Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on a truly exceptional piece!

About Brock: Brock Seals is a multidisciplinary St. Louis artist, muralist, and community builder whose work blends culture, storytelling, and impact. He has created murals across the city and custom pieces for national figures, including professional athletes and public institutions.

In 2024, Brock collaborated with Marc Jacobs on a hand-painted bag collection that sold out in-store. Through his brand Palette by Seals and his signature event, Art, Mimosa, and Pancakes, he continues to elevate artists, activate neighborhoods, and make art accessible throughout St. Louis.

How to Get Involved

Become a Hope in a Handbag Sponsor

Becoming a Hope in a Handbag sponsor connects you with 300+ influential, well-connected guests—and thousands more through our powerful multichannel reach. With nearly 23,000 engaged social media followers, 12,200 email subscribers, and marketing exposure to over 40,000 individuals, your support goes further than a single night.

Join us in making a powerful impact, making sure your brand is seen, celebrated, and aligned with a powerful cause.

Available Sponsorship Opportunities:

• 

  Star of the Show Sponsor

  $15,000.00
  Add to cart
• 

  Boss Babe Sponsor

  $10,000.00
  Add to cart
• 

  Jet, Set, Go! Sponsor

  $10,000.00
  Add to cart
• 

  Sunkissed & Stylish Sponsor

  $10,000.00
  Add to cart
• 

  Glitz & Glam Sponsor

  $10,000.00
  Add to cart
• 

  Frost Yourself Sponsor

  $10,000.00
  Add to cart
• 

  Buy It Now AND Mystery Bags Sponsor

  $10,000.00
  Add to cart
• 

  Luxe Sponsor

  $5,000.00
  Add to cart
• 

  Iconic Sponsor

  $2,500.00
  Add to cart
• 

  Chic Sponsor

  $1,000.00
  Add to cart

Donate New or Gently Loved Handbags or Jewelry

We are seeking donations of new or gently loved designer handbags and jewelry to feature in our silent auction. Your generous contribution will directly support our mission, ensuring foster and adoptive children receive essential resources and support.

Accepted Donations

• New or gently loved designer handbags*
• New or gently loved fine or on-trend jewelry

All donations must be received by April 1, 2026.

Why Donate?

• Your donation will help change the lives of children impacted by foster care
• Your contribution is tax-deductible
• You’ll be part of a prestigious event that blends luxury with philanthropy

How to Donate

Donating is easy! Simply drop off your donations to the Coalition M-F 8:30 am to 4:30 pm:

Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition
1750 S. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 210, St. Louis, MO 63144

If you would like to schedule a drop off outside of business hours, please call (314) 806-2525 or email events@foster-adopt.org. Thank you for your generosity and support! 

Download Printable PDF

Join the Hope in a Handbag Committee

2026 Hope in a Handbag Committee Member Responsibilities

• Give or get at least 8-10 bags and/or jewelry
• Join a handbag team (Boss Babe, Jet, Set, Go!, Sunkissed & Stylish, Glitz & Glam,
  All In the Family, Frost Yourself, Buy It Now, and Mystery Bags)
• Tasks within your team:
  • Prepare each donated item to be presented at the highest quality for maximum profitability
  • Clean, stuff, and prepare handbags for display
  • Organize and maintain the presentation of handbag donations

Member Responsibilities: Day of the Event

• Create a visually appealing showcase of handbags to enhance fundraising potential, within the visual display guidelines
• Design and arrange the display of your handbag section
• Coordinate decor, lighting, and set up to enhance the guest experience

Other Member Responsibilities

• Personally thank auction donors
• Invite guests to attend the event
• Attend at least 50% of the committee meetings
• If possible, help secure sponsorships
• Promote the event within your personal and professional networks
• Have fun while supporting an important cause

Download Printable PDF

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

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Thank You To Our Sponsors

Your support brings comfort, style, and impact to this event—from exclusive VIP experiences to making a difference in the lives of children impacted by foster care. We’re grateful for your partnership.

Presenting Sponsor

VIP Lounge Sponsor

Section Sponsors

Luxe Sponsors

Ameren

Cass Information Systems

Marsh McLennan Agency

Scott Credit Union

Vantage Credit Union

Iconic Sponsors

Jessica & Kit Edwards

Cindy Underwood-Oleshak & Rick Oleshak

Chic Sponsors

Ahrens Contracting, Inc.

Enterprise Bank & Trust

Jenny Fanson

Debbie Genung & Holly Demerath

Mary & John Gunther

Niki Sullivan-Handshy & Don Handshy

Jennifer Lynch

Christine & Richard Pennell

Plancorp Wealth Management

Melanie Scheetz & Bruce Reed

U.S. Bank

Cari & Brandon Wegge

Sarah Wendt