Friday was the Center for Women Purse Auction. It was a big night for me – the first bag was not only making its public debut, but it was being auctioned off as part of a package.
The event started with a silent auction on over 100 bags done by local artists and designers. I bid on – and won! – two. The first one is pictured above and below. It’s from blogger and seamstress Jenima Hadjian of Sewcial. She’s also wearing one of her own creations in the photo below.
The second bag I won was from designer Anne Trabue Watson. I think it’s going to be a fab day bag for all my lunch dates downtown. I especially liked the pattern.
While I was mingling, I had talk to the man with the blue hair. Turns out he’s local stylist and Dancing with the Stars contestant Jeffery Rhodes. Photographer Jeni Rone took a picture of us and his date William. Jeni’s purse is also pictured below.
Then came the live auction. My husband and good friend Charlotte came for moral support. The Center for Women’s Executive Director Jennet Robinson Alterman started introducing the packages and taking live bids.
My package came up about 3rd to last. Surprisingly, Jennet called me up on stage and introduced me to the group (pictured below). She also had me explain what kind of bag it was. When the volunteer showing the Alesya Bag couldn’t find the laptop section I took the bag and demonstrated it myself. When I opened it up people actually “ooohhhed and ahhheed”!
When the bidding started about 20 hands went up in the air! It ended up coming down to two people. One of them was my friend and realtor, Brenda Piaskowski. She really wanted to have the first bag and I was completely floored by her support. (Besides being an amazing friend, Brenda is a terrific realtor. We recommend to everyone in the Charleston area.)
But Brenda didn’t win. The winner was the petite woman on the left hand side of the photo above. She has her arm half way up in the air and is wearing a black dress with white buttons. Here winning bid was $1400! It was the highest bid of the night for any package.
Writer Angie Mizzell summed it up best on her blog:
A package including a Saluda mountain getaway and a to-die-for laptop bag created by local designer Alesya Opelt sold for more than its $1,000 value. If you saw this bag, you’d understand. Women actually squealed.
My one regret from the evening was that I didn’t get to meet and thank the winner. If you know this woman, could you please let her know I’m trying to get in contact with her? I’d love to send her a thank-you note for her generous donation.
All in all it was a very, very successful debut. Thank you to everyone who came out to support such a worthy cause. Hope to see you again next year.
Wow, that was a complete success! Congratulations!!!
I love this part, “It was the highest bid of the night for any package. + If you saw this bag, you’d understand. Women actually squealed.”
Thank you Yor! Yes, the blog post from Angie was amazing. I was thrilled to read it!
I was so glad to meet you! I’m inspired by your creativity.
Thank you Angie! I was so happy to meet you too!
You must be so freakin’ excited! What a wonderful night for you!! I’m sorry I missed it 🙂
Congrats!
Kelly
Totally excited! Thank you Kelly! I hope to see you again soon. In the meantime, take care of yourself! 🙂
yes yes YES girl! Glad it debuted to a well-deserved positive reception.
FYI, I am currently purse-fasting until I can buy your beauties.
Katie – thank you so much! PURSE FASTING?! I can’t tell you how much I love that phrase and the fact that you’re doing it.
Holy cow! Soak it up, Alesya — as a man, I can honestly say making women squeal is not something I’ve accomplished in a lifetime of trying, so congrats to you! 🙂
I’m trying to soak it up, but it almost doesn’t seem real! Thanks for the kudos Dan.
This was such a wonderful and memorable evening. I saw you go from nervous to completely excited that night. As you watched the auction, Josh and I were watching you and we were beaming with pride. So proud of you A! And I can’t wait to get my bag!!! 🙂 XO! Char
Thank you for coming along Charlotte. I was VERY nervous but then very proud. Nice to reveal what I’ve been working on for so long. When Jennet called me an “entrepreneur” out loud…well, that pretty much sent me over the edge. Can’t wait to see you with a bag!
Amazing A!! Congratulations! Your bag is hot! How exciting!!
It’s hot?! I love it! Thanks Ana!
This post brought tears to my eyes – I am so happy the evening was a success, and I am sure it will be the first of many.
There were a few tears in my eyes too Christy. Thank you so much for the kind comment.
Love, love, love!!! I’m jumping up and down as we speak. Well done!
Ha! I will jump and down with you! Thanks JT.
Alesya, I am “squealing” with delight for you at this very moment. Congratulations on all your hard work paying off in the most amazing way. It’s been a joy watching you on your journey toward wild success. I’m proud to know you (and hope to learn from you). xoxo