Save the Date | Hope in a Handbag 2026
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 6-9 PM | Hilton St. Louis Frontenac
Join us for a glamorous evening where fashion meets philanthropy. Mingle with 300+ stylish change makers at a chic silent auction featuring designer handbags to suit every style and taste. Every bid helps support more than 4,500 children impacted by foster care.
Excited to be a part of it? Mark you calendar and get ready to shop, sip, and make a difference.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Let’s make 2026 our biggest year yet!
2026 Hope in a Handbag Committee
Cindy Oleshak
Committee Co-Chair
Niki Sullivan-Handshy
Committee Co-Chair
LaShonda Lambert-Howze
Working Committee Member
Kate Turner
Working Committee Member
Pat Slodkowski
Working Committee Member
Veronica Grimes
Working Committee Member
Aimee Bergan
Working Committee Member
Lisa Forsyth
Working Committee Member
Karen Mac Wallach
Working Committee Member
Katie Doggendorf
Working Committee Member
Patricia Sutherlin
Working Committee Member
Krystal Lang
Working Committee Member
Jessica Edwards
Working Committee Member
Laura Dobsch
Working Committee Member
Anna Phan
Working Committee Member
Ali Siegel
Working Committee Member
Jinea Meyer
Working Committee Member
Elizabeth Huff
Working Committee Member
Michelle Shelton
Working Committee Member
Laura Washburn
Working Committee Member
Penny Andrews
Working Committee Member
Bianca Resch
Working Committee Member
Amanda Nelson
Working Committee Member
Tendai Morris
Working Committee Member
Debbie Genung
Legacy Committee Member
Jackie Knolhoff
Legacy Committee Member
Jackie Olinger Rochelle
Legacy Committee Member
Melody Noel
Legacy Committee Member
Laura Lueken
Legacy Committee Member
Alison Shubert
Legacy Committee Member
Ashley Silverman
Legacy Committee Member
Jennifer Lynch
Legacy Committee Member
Cari Wegge
Legacy Committee Member
How to Get Involved
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.
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:
Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition
1750 S. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 210, St. Louis, MO 63144
Thank you for your generosity and support! Questions? Call (314) 806-2525 or email events@foster-adopt.org.
*Hope in a Handbag purses and jewelry must be clean and in very good condition. Our guests love designers such as Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, YSL, Gucci, Prada, and more!
There are two new ways to serve on a committee!
#1: 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.
- Organized 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!
#2: Legacy Committee Member Responsibilities
- Must have served on a previous Hope in a Handbag committee.
- Be a trusted consultant to the Hope in a Handbag committee and staff, offering guidance based on past experience.
- Advocate for the organization’s mission within personal and professional networks.
- Provide historical context and institutional knowledge to support strategic decision-making.
- And please donate handbags and attend the event, as you have always done!
Sponsorship Levels
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 15 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 15 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- “Presented By” naming rights
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Logo recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section (VIP Lounge)
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 12)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (VIP Lounge Napkins)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section (VIP Lounge Gift)
- Thank-you card in designated section (VIP Lounge)
- Social media feature posts (6)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (Inside back cover)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
- Exclusive sponsor offer in our attendee thank-you email (optional)
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
- Photo opportunity with name/logo for guests
- Speaking opportunity available
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 15 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 15 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- “Presented By” naming rights
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Logo recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section (VIP Lounge)
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 12)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (VIP Lounge Napkins)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section (VIP Lounge Gift)
- Thank-you card in designated section (VIP Lounge)
- Social media feature posts (6)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (Inside back cover)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
- Exclusive sponsor offer in our attendee thank-you email (optional)
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
- Photo opportunity with name/logo for guests
- Speaking opportunity available
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 12 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 12 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 10)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (Auction Item Tags)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section
- Thank-you card in designated section
- Social media feature posts (5)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (Full page ad)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 10 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 10 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 10)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (Auction Item Tags)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section
- Thank-you card in designated section
- Social media feature posts (4)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (1/2 page ad)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 10 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 10 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 10)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (Auction Item Tags)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section
- Thank-you card in designated section
- Social media feature posts (4)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (1/2 page ad)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 10 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 10 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 10)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (Auction Item Tags)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section
- Thank-you card in designated section
- Social media feature posts (4)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (1/2 page ad)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 10 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 10 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 10)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (Auction Item Tags)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section
- Thank-you card in designated section
- Social media feature posts (4)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (1/2 page ad)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 10 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 10 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Logo recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 10)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (Auction Item Tags)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section
- Thank-you card in designated section
- Social media feature posts (4)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (1/2 page ad)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 10 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 10 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 10)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (Auction Item Tags)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section
- Thank-you card in designated section
- Social media feature posts (4)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (1/2 page ad)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 10 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 10 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo recognition on 7,000 invitations & programs
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
- Exclusive signage in designated section
- Mention in promotional posts (Minimum 10)
- Logo on collateral in designated section (Auction Item Tags)
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Giveaway opportunity in designated section
- Thank-you card in designated section
- Social media feature posts (4)
- Social media story spotlight video
- Social media thank you reel
- Ad in print & digital program (1/2 page ad)
- Link featured on mobile bidding platform (optional)
- Custom opt-in promotion shared with our audience
Event Recognition & Special Features
- Live event recognition
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 6 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 6 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Logo recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Social media feature posts (3)
- Ad in print & digital program (1/3 page ad)
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 4 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 4 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Text recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
Marketing & Promotional Opportunities
- Ad in print & digital program (1/4 page ad)
Benefits Include:
VIP & Hospitality Benefits
- 2 VIP reservations (optional, partially tax-deductible)
- 2 raffle tickets (optional, not tax-deductible)
Brand Recognition & Exposure
- Logo featured on mobile bidding platform
- Text recognition on event signage
- Text recognition on social media, website & eBlasts
Our Sponsors
Berges Family Foundation
Presenting Sponsor
$25,000
The Kiesel Company
VIP Lounge Sponsor
$20,000
Pace Properties
Section Sponsor
$10,000