Pursapalooza

Pursapalooza Proves Popular once again!

On Saturday, November 18, 2023, dozens of women lined up outside the library waiting for the doors to open for Pursapalooza, our popular annual purse party fundraiser.   They were in a great mood and eager to hunt for the perfect purse and deals on jewelry to match.

They were not disappointed!  More than 200 purses were sold in a matter of three hours, along with countless pieces of jewelry.  All in all, Pursapalooza netted just over $16,000 for library services and programs.

While they shopped, patrons enjoyed champagne courtesy of Century Liquor & Wines, wine from Sheldrake Point Winery, charcuterie by Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake, and chocolate truffles from Stever’s Candies.

The photos by Peter Blackwood Photography tell the story!

We are grateful for the generous support of the event sponsors and raffle donors listed below.

Presenting Sponsor — The Friends of Wood Library

Louis Vuitton Designer — Canandaigua Air Center, Capstone Construction Services LLC, Lakeside Cosmetic Center, Quail Summit

Prada Buyer — Empire Access, Ferris Hills at West Lake

Chanel Influencer — Gullo Dental, The Medicine Shop

Raffle Donor — Adorn Jewelry and Accessories, Auto Wash Car Wash, CDGA Coffee, Crown Jewelry, Family Hair, Deb and Pete Gregory, KIX on Main, Lindsey’s Nail, The Medicine Shop, Michelle’s Salon, Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery, Thai by Night.

This event would not be possible without donations from community members.  Year round, volunteers sort, clean, and price the donated items; and, then a week before the event, transform the library’s meeting room into a fabulous showroom full of hundreds of attractive purses and totes — many with tags still attached. There is something for every occasion and budget — vintage purses, evening clutches, great quality leather bags of all sizes, cute wallets, and fun totes!  In recent years, we’ve added a great collection of jewelry from timeless classics to fun and quirky statement pieces.

We also wish to acknowledge the dedication of event chairperson and Library Trustee Kathy Shay who led a supportive committee that worked behind the scenes for months to ensure that Pursapalooza was successful:  Marilyn Cushman, Deb Gregory, Alice Haskins, Gail Herman, Kathi Nevin, and Diane Olivet.  Andy Thomas and Lindsay Van Deusen assisted with promotions.  Stephanie Toomey lined up volunteers.  Maria Bucci and Jenny Goodemote offered operational expertise.