On Nov. 9, Halo, the nonprofit organization that helps homeless and at-risk children around the world, will host its “Handbags for Halo” auction benefit in New York at the Crosby Street Hotel. In addition to raising money through the auction, the event, notably sponsored by Moroccanoil, will serve to bring awareness to the work being done through Halo and the premiere of the Halo documentary short film “Caylin.”
For nearly two decades the Halo organization has provided housing, healing and education to thousands around the world, with locations in the U.S., Mexico, Kenya and Uganda. Halo’s efforts include providing the foundation of a family by providing homeless children a safe place to sleep and fulfilling a spectrum of needs, from helping them survive the night to making it through first job interviews and, ultimately, preparing them to become successful adults.
The story told in the “Caylin” documentary tells the 10-year journey that one woman has experienced through Halo. Originally coming to the organization at 15 years old in search of a safe place to live and stability for herself and her baby, Caylin has now graduated college, has a secure job and just bought her first home.
Halo alum Caylin and her daugher.
Courtesy Image.
Every person who comes to Halo has a different experience and journey to go through and Halo founder, Rebecca Welsh, believes that “every child should have the support of a family.” The lessons gleaned from Halo range from learning how to make a bed to balancing a checkbook, and finding the support to do it.
“Caylin dreams of creating the best life for her 10-year-old daughter Avalynn to provide her with the opportunities she never had. When we invest in the youth of our communities, great things happen. Caylin just needed some support, and she absolutely deserved it. She has broken the cycle for her daughter Avalynn and generations to come. So it is about hope and family and what like family means is surrounding kids with, with volunteers and with you know, community members who can really rally behind them and teach them.”
Notably, Caylin’s is the third story that Halo will be sharing in the short-documentary format, with a previous film featuring Oprah as the interviewer. Welsh’s message has resonated with many including celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Oprah and Salma Hayek, who have donated over the years, and Moraccanoil, who in 2013 selected Welsh for its “Inspired by Women” short-film series. Caylin was featured in the film.
Rebecca Welsh, founder of Halo.
Welsh told WWD that the community that has rallied around Halo and the children being helped by Halo are incredible and eager to help. She shared a recent story of having a meeting with a Halo donor when she received a text that one of Halo’s girls was looking for advice on how to handle a broken refrigerator in her new house. Welsh’s donor conversation quickly turned to paying to replace the appliance quickly, showing just one of the ways the community acts swiftly to provide for those in need.
While Halo’s Nov. 9 event is its first to focus solely on handbags, the idea comes from the success that Halo has seen in raising money from handbags in previous auctions.
“Our key supporters have always been willing to help us because I feel like they are drawn to the family aspect of Halo,” Welsh said. “Everybody loves handbags and they’re easy for people to donate. Most of the handbags being auctioned are from either celebrities or notable people. We’re also asking purse companies, or luxury handbag brands if they are interested in donating.”
Those interested in purchasing a handbag at auction can do so both in person at Halo’s event as well as virtually from their phone or at home.
“The funding that’s raised from the event goes to support kids,” Welsh said. “We always say our mission is to help one more child spend one less day alone and the funding raised will help us do that. For those donating, they’ll get a luxury handbag which is a total bonus. The great part about it is that you’re changing a life. I’ve had people tell me from years past that they love their Halo bag because it reminds them that while maybe they spent more than they typically would it was for a great cause and they’re proud of it.”
Tickets for the “Handbags for Halo” event are on sale now.
