Sponsorship Packages available for any budget. Packages include Tickets to the event, T-Shirts, Logo on all Adverts, Table Reservations and much more.
The concept of “Mama’s Got A Brand New Bag” was born out of the personal desire of two single mothers who want to make the world a better place. Together, Maggie Caldwell and Rhonda Herring developed the concept of a “designer purse auction” from their love of purses, jewelry, shoes, anything girly, as well as the desire to lend their time and talents to benefit the local community. Both Maggie and Rhonda serve on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association and have been active in the promotion of Downtown Tupelo for several years.
S.A.F.E., Inc., North Mississippi’s domestic violence shelter was chosen as the benefactor of this event for many reasons. S.A.F.E., Inc. serves a nine county area in North Mississippi. If you have not personally experienced abuse at the hand of a father, husband or stranger, then most likely you know someone who has. Domestic violence is not a glamorous subject. It is a bit taboo and we tend to brush it aside and out of shame, guilt or just simply not knowing what to do to help. The counselors, care givers and teachers at S.A.F.E., Inc. assist victims with every aspect of getting their lives back together after escaping from their abuser. It is not an easy decision to make – to leave your abuser. The people at S.A.F.E., Inc. make it their mission to ensure that you never regret making that decision.
In 2008, the first Mama’s Got A Brand New Bag fundraiser was held in Downtown Tupelo. Maggie and Rhonda solicit the donations of gently used designer handbags from area ladies and auction them off for a fraction of the cost of a new designer handbag. It is a unique concept that has been embraced by the community. The first year, Mama’s Got A Brand New Bag produced the first successful fundraiser that S.A.F.E., Inc. had ever had with a profit of $3,000.
In 2009, the event was held at Park Heights restaurant, the one and only rooftop restaurant in Downtown Tupelo. Over 150 ladies from all over North Mississippi and Alabama came to Downtown Tupelo to attend the event. The event was supported by Downtown merchants and restaurants who, not only donated items for the auction, but some of whom volunteered their time as well as attended the event. The combination of great location, dedicated people and a worthy cause proved to be a total success. The event raised over $7,000.
Maggie and Rhonda are examples of how you can make a difference in your community by doing something to help someone else. The spirit of giving of your time, your talents and your heart to make your community a better, safer place is the basis on which Maggie and Rhonda stand.
A Success Story
Jane lived in an abusive relationship for 5 months. The verbal and emotional abuse was almost unbearable. The name calling and the humiliation was very painful. Her boyfriend isolated her by refusing to let her find employment and would ask her, "Why do you want a job when I can take care of you?" He would keep her from going places, and talking with her family. He would pull her hair, shove her down, and kick her.
The verbal abuse would start when she talked about becoming more independent. When Jane was successful in finding a job and had an interview scheduled, the keys to her vehicle would mysteriously disappear.
Jane was trapped, but knew there would come a time when she would escape this relationship.
She contacted S.A.F.E., Inc. and explained her situation and with the support of the staff, a safety plan was established. Jane waited until it was safe to make her getaway.
Jane arrived at S.A.F.E. where she received individual and group counseling. She attended sessions provided by the shelter which included Budgeting, Stress Management and Interviewing Skills.
Jane was successful in finding employment. Jane worked as much overtime as she could. She saved her money and opened her own checking account. She found housing in an area where she felt comfortable and safe to live in and convenient to her workplace.
S.A.F.E. Inc. was able to help furnish her apartment with the bare necessities and with the support of the volunteers provided by S.A.F.E., Jane was able to move into her apartment.
Jane continues to keep in touch with the staff and attends weekly support groups. She has also recently reunited with members of her family who missed her so much while she was trapped in a cycle of abuse.
Success Story by Sonja Hamilton