Celebrities Hand Over Purses

Celebrities have handed over their purses, literally, in aid of a good cause. In January, Concern Worldwide held an auction to raise money for its work assisting the impoverished in developing parts of the world. Isabella Rossellini, Barbara Walters, and Marian Keyes were a few of the names who donated their handbags to be auctioned. But the men weren’t left out in the cold. Actors Gabriel Byrne and George Wendt and musician Dave Brubeck all donated their wallets to Concern. The auction was held live on eBay and in person at the Concern Brigid Awards luncheon in Chicago.

Glamorous bags were donated by Andrea Corr of the Corrs, Bono’s wife Ali Hewson, Cindy Crawford and Natasha Richardson, who both gave up their Gucci for the cause. Cher parted with her purse, as did political women, including former first ladies Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, and Chicago’s first lady Maggie Daley. The auction helped Concern raise a record amount. Concern’s mission is to help people living in absolute poverty achieve major improvements in their lives.  ♦