The 25th Annual Old Bags Luncheon With Martha Stewart And Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger

Used designer handbags are definitely in—there has never been an easier way to get your dream Chanel handbag, for a cut of the price. While there are countless ways to buy second hand luxury fashion online, there’s another way to score a second hand handbag if you want to also support a cause.

The Old Bags Luncheon is an annual event developed by the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County in 1999 by a group of supporters who donated their gently used handbags to help raise funds for the CFSPBC, an organization founded in 1961. “Over the years, the event has generated significant revenue needed to operate the programs at the center and help those in need,” said Ellen Vaughan, the chief development officer at the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County.

This year, the Old Bags Luncheon celebrated their 25th anniversary Silver Jubilee on Wednesday with keynote speaker Martha Stewart, with the Fashion and Philanthropy Award going to Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger. It featured over 200 brand new or gently used designer handbags going to the highest bidders in their silent auction—from Judith Leiber to Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior.

“Our signature auction boasts gently used authentic designer handbags and, in many cases, brand new handbags from our retail partners,” said Vaughan. “Our auction will have great fashion houses represented, but we also feature unique designers such as Jennifer Tattinelli, Ceci Martinez, and Danielle Ortiz.”

This annual fundraiser was held at The Breakers Palm Beach for their signature fundraiser. “It is always very humbling and wonderful to be recognized at such a prestigious event,” said Ocleppo Hilfiger, who was in attendance with her husband, Tommy Hilfiger. “The event is a wonderful opportunity to combine fashion and philanthropy together for a higher purpose which is to help others less fortunate, give them hope, support and inspiration.”

To Ocleppo Hilfiger, who is a handbag designer herself, and the founder of the vintage-inspired fashion label, Dee Ocleppo, specializing in shoes and handbags. “Design, function and quality are the hallmarks of any great bag,” she said. “I am not sure I have a favorite bag; it is like me who is my favorite child. I have quite a large collection of handbags and I love using them all depending on the occasion.”

More than anything else, the event hopes to raise awareness around mental health issues.

“The stigma around mental health, while improved, continues to exist,” said Todd L’Herrou, CEO of the CFSPBC. “That can prevent families or individuals from seeking the help they need. At the same time, we see signs that the need for services continues to increase.”

The CFSPBC’s most powerful program is their Stop Abuse Family Empowerment (S.A.F.E.) Kids program, which specializes in treating individuals and families impacted by sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, and child witness to domestic violence. They also provide treatment for sexually abused reactive children, adults molested as children, and individuals and families impacted by rape and sexual assault, as well as stalking and trafficking.

Next up for the CFSPBC, Vaughan hopes to reach more people in need. “With funding from our generous donors and private foundations, we continue the important work of providing services and resources to the most disadvantaged members of our community,” she said. “Our goal is to reduce any barrier to those on their journey to mental wellness.”

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