[ back ]
Purses for Prevention event raises money for drug-free group
(by Christine Bryant, Eastside Editor - October 15, 2012)
Anyone who loves purses will enjoy an upcoming event that also raises funds for an organization committed to a drug-free community.
Pickerington business Deblin Design will host Purses for Prevention, an event that allows women to swap purses while raising money for Prevention Works for a Drug-Free Fairfield County.
The event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Fountain Square Building, 111 S. Broad St., Lancaster.
Ticket prices are $5 presale and $8 at the door. Presale tickets are available at Deblin Design, 18 E. Columbus St., Pickerington.
The Eastside Messenger spoke with Deblin Jennings, owner of Deblin Design, about what goes into a purse swap and how being a member of the business community in Fairfield County is an opportunity to give back.
CB: How did you come up with the idea of holding a purse swap, and is this the first year for the event?
DJ: My idea came from a thought - guys have swaps to accessorize their cars, women should have swaps to help accessorize themselves.
This is the first year to host a purse swap for Prevention Works for a drug free Fairfield County. We have hosted purse swaps before for other non-profit organizations and they are a great girls night out and very fun.
CB: How does a purse swap work? What can guests expect?
DJ: Here are some things women should know about our purse swap. Bring along a new or gently used handbag that you are willing to part with.
Include a “purse gift” the participant puts in the purse wrapped, something valued at $5 or less, such as a note pad, mirror or tweezers.
Women will receive a swap tag to place on their handbags when they arrive, letting others know it is available to be swapped. Float around the event until you spot a bag you like.
Let the person know you want to swap (exchange) handbags, at which time the other person is required to do so. You may swap with a person numerous times throughout the evening.
If you want to keep the bag you have, the swap tag will be removed from the handbag, indicating you are finished playing the game.
No one can request your bag once the swap tag is removed, and you can no longer trade with anyone else at that point.
There will be drawings for prizes throughout the evening, but you must be present to win. You must also have a swap ticket still on your handbag to win one of our give-a-ways. You can only bring one purse to be swapped and tagged.
CB: Are there any other activities that are part of this event?
DJ: We will also be doing scarf tying demonstrations - Ruffle Scarves, Pashminas and Satin Stripe Scarves will all be highlighted, along with the new scarf jewelry. We will have two models - one dressed in white and one in black. We’ll show how to accessorize to make simple clothing fun and exciting.
CB: Funds from the event go toward Prevention Works for a Drug-Free Fairfield County. How did you get involved with this organization, and why was it important to you to hold this event for the organization?
DJ: Their mission is to prevent and reduce substance abuse in Fairfield County and being a resident and small business owner in this county, I wanted to be part of this issue.
Everyone in our community is affected by drugs and alcohol, whether it is an issue in their own family, or it indirectly affects them by crime. The two issues that they are targeting right now is underage drinking and prescription drug abuse. My daughter was the victim of a serious car accident in which a drunk driver was involved.
CB: As a member of the business community in Pickerington and Fairfield County, what type of activities have you been a part of to give back to the community?
DJ: I am a member of the Kiwanis Organization, on the board of the Pickerington Village Business Association, Chamber member, co-chair various downtown community events, and I also do events with the Stephine Spielman Foundation and Relay for Life. I have been very blessed to have been in business for 13 years.
For more information on Purses for Prevention, go to www.deblin.com or call (614) 833-3803.
[ back ]
