Perfectly Pink Purse Party Raises Thousands for Breast Cancer Patients

A good time for a good cause is the short version of the Perfectly Pink Purse Party held Oct. 12 at in Upper Macungie Township.

Donna Hosfeld, principal of the in Macungie, was the force behind the fundraiser that so far has raised around $4,000 for Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Pink Ribbon Fund. The fund awards grants to breast cancer patients who are struggling financially while undergoing treatment.

Hosfeld set the mood days before the party when she promised to dye her hair pink if donors could come up with $500. Pre-party donations exceeded $600, she said, as her pink hair attests.

At the party, the Perfectly Pink Patron Margueritas, pastries from in Emmaus and Passionate Kisses in Slatington and hair extensions stylists from Anthony Ashley Hair Designs in Allentown wove into men’s beards provided the pleasant party atmosphere.

Additionally, Boston’s donated 15 percent of the night’s food sales, and Dr. Lori Alfonse, a breast surgeon at Lehigh Valley Surgical Oncology, and Christine Bainbridge, a member of local band "She Said Sunday," donated the tips they received as guest bartenders for the night.

Hundreds of women – some who waited hours to get into the party – spent between $1 and $45 for the 600 purses donated to the cause. Several mint condition bags, including a Vera Bradley set with the tags still on, were used as auction pieces.

Hosfeld’s first purse party, held in April, supported organizations that fight human trafficking.

“We had 125 purses in April,” she said, and even then there were plenty.

She is absolutely blown away by the generosity the partygoers, volunteers and vendors showed.

As for future charities that might benefit from Hosfeld’s enthusiasm and stellar organizational skills, well, she says, you never know.