Williamson County is home to many nonprofits that strive to make the community a better place. Kicking off the fall fundraising season, two child advocacy groups will pair fashion with compassion in September.
Hope, Heroes & Handbags: Designer Purse Bingo
The Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center’s sixth annual “Hope, Heroes & Handbags: Designer Purse Bingo” returns to the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center on September 6 from 5-10 p.m.
The WCCAC aims to provide hope, healing and justice for children and families impacted by abuse, violence, and exploitation in Williamson County.
The sold-out event will feature 15 designer purses as prizes for bingo games, according to a news release from the organization. The fundraiser typically draws more than 750 guests and raises money for children affected by abuse, violence and exploitation.
"The heart of our mission is trust,” said Kerrie Stannell, WCCAC CEO. “Trust between us and the children we serve as well as trust between us and our law enforcement/investigating partners. That detectives, Police Chiefs, and our Williamson County Sheriff would participate in this event reinforces their trust in us, our mission, and the work they do every day to protect children.”
During the event, handbags are modeled by detectives who investigate crimes against children and who partner with the Advocacy Center to keep kids safe.
A friendly fundraising competition among Williamson County law enforcement agencies. Cedar Park Police Chief Harmon, Georgetown Police Chief Tchida, Leander Police Chief Minton, Round Rock Police Chief Banks, Florence Police Chief Thompson and Williamson County Sheriff Lindemann will compete to raise the most money for the center leading up to and during the event.
Chief Thompson is the newcomer chief as part of the competition. Representing the smallest city – both in square footage and in population – in the competition, he said he’s been pushing the word out on social media to get the fundraising up.
“The [police] chiefs and Sheriff are all good men who represent good cities,” Chief Thompson said. “But you know, gosh darn it, Florence needs to win.”
For every one dollar that is donated, one vote is cast to the respective chief of the voter’s choice. All proceeds will go to the WCCAC. To vote for the disordered chief, participants can visit https://linktr.ee/heroofhope.
Wine, Women & Shoes
CASA of Williamson County will host its second Wine, Women & Shoes fundraising event on Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Richard's Parish Hall in Round Rock.
The event will feature wine tastings, shopping and fashion while the community gathers in support of the children CASA serves. Organizers aim to raise $150,000 this year.
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Williamson County – or CASA of Wilco – is a nonprofit organization that connects community volunteers and mentors to children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
The Marketplace lineup includes national & local vendors: IVI Vision, Mustard See Jewelry, Maria Victoria, Classy Bag Lady, Pep & Punch, Red Bird Mercantile, Outlaws & Gypsies and Vaqueras Hat Co., according to CASA spokesperson Tina Clary. Wine selections include Conundrum, Sea Sun and Tattoo Girl.
The Sole Men have kicked off their peer-to-peer fundraising contest and will be raising money over the next several weeks, leading up to the event to be crowned King of Sole at WWS.
“We have several returning Sole Men as well as newcomers this year,” Ms. Clary said. “Collectively, they raised over $25,000 last year, and we hope to see them top that again.”
Ms. Clary said VIP tickets are waitlist only, but a few General Admission tables and seats are left. CASA is anticipating selling out here soon. GA tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased individually or as a table of 10 at www.winewomenandshoes.com/event/casawilco.
“We love so much how this event brings together so many different parts of the community,” Ms. Clary said. “Between our sponsors, vendors, Sole Men, and volunteers, Wine Women & Shoes really highlights how much the county is willing to step up and support CASA's mission.”