The Breakers Hotel beckoned more than 550 of Palm Beach’s most distinguished humanitarians for the much anticipated Old Bags Luncheon® for the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County. Since 1999, the event focuses on the support of mental health and wellness programs, which seek to fulfil the growing need for accessible mental health services for families undergoing economic hardships, trauma, and mental health disparities.
The Old Bags Luncheon for the Center for Family Services provides an exceptional silent auction of new and gently used authentic designer handbags. Ladies and gentlemen alike flock to this once-a-year opportunity. The Mediterranean Ballroom, celebrated for its Renaissance-styled elaborate fresco-painted ceilings and Venetian-style chandeliers was filled with a flowing sea of Palm Beach pastels, representing some of the most prestigious designers in the world, worn by the who’s who of the season. The 15-foot arched windows overlooking the Mediterranean Courtyard allowed the perfect amount of light to view handbags, from some of the most esteemed global designers, surrounded by a coursing river of the most generous givers.
After the Champagne reception with lite bites, distinguished guests entered the Venetian Ballroom. Overlooking the aqua sea, this philanthropic highlight is known for its eloquent presenters. Past speakers include: Martha Stewart, Suzanne Somers, Marie Osmond, and Alana Stewart. This year Priscilla Presley, from Graceland to the Breakers stood out as a dedicated philanthropist, successful businesswoman and respected actress. She brought her singular story and passion for advocacy to the captivated audience.
The 2026 Old Bags Luncheon™ Event Chairs include Lora Drasner & Marzia Precoda. Auction Chairs Barbara Pendrill & Theodora Pace, Honorary Chairs Sonja Stevens & Joan Yanow, Advisory Chair Karen Swanson and the Mental Health Ambassador is Alana Stewart. The 27th OBL committee include Kristin Baran, Lisa Barfield. Bianca Blag, Nancy Bush, Aileen Carlucci, Valerie Cooper, Nicole DiCocco, Donna Feldman, Beth Fishel, Robin Fleming, Michelle Gluckow, Arlette Gordon, Nancy Haviland, Michelle Russell Johnson, Nikki, Kahn, Sally Kimball, Lisa Barfield Kopecky, Norah Lawlor, Elizabeth Marshman, Amy Morris, Cameron Neth, Allison Nicklaus, Chrissy Oakes, Johnna Pomasan, Diana Maune Retzer, Mia Rowe, Stephanie Schwed, Jean Shafiroff, Anne, Speiser, Baroness Tracy Turco Di Salonia, Maria Valenza, Gail Worth, and Michelle Worth.
The OBL 2026 IT Bag Designer, a philanthropic highlight was RobertJames by James Norton. RobertJames is known for quiet sophistication, hand-crafted, heirloom-quality artisanal handbags that exude value. Frequently acquired and collected by quiet money, handbags are handcrafted in the United States with exotic leathers, including alligator, crocodile, lizard, python, and ostrich. Quiet money prefers craftsmanship, proportion and restraint, bags that don’t have to be used on special occasions. Quiet money avoid logos and public display. However, those in the know recognize a RobertJames when one sees one, so let your silence do the talking. RobertJames set a record for the highest sum raised, contributing to the Centre’s critical fundraising with a hombre alligator in the perfect proportion.
Notable attendees not already mentioned include: Robert Walden, Lois Pope, Arlette Gordon, Audrey Gruss, Ramona Singer, Bobbi Brown, Danielle Rollins, Dr. Charles and Anna Pierce, Dr. Ruth Celestin, Veronica Webb, Joan Yanow, Sonja Stevens, Karen Swanson, Jamee Gregory, Jean Shafiroff, Alyssa D. Quinlan, Michelle Russell-Johnson, Barbara Pendrill, Theodora Pace, Amy Abrams, Aileen Carlucci, Terri Schottenstein, Diana Retzer, Cecilia Wehrle, Renee Scott, Lisa Harwood, Jessica Cristobal, Dr. Norman and Mia Rowe, Kimberly Hogan, Aimee Lettich-Pearson, Gisela Gaudreau, Kristen Cottiero, Joseph & Max McNamara, G. Russel and Mariam Hagan, Barbara and Allison Nicklaus, Francis Lindner, Sybil Yurman, Cassie Donegan, Valerie Cooper, Robin Fleming, Ruchi Kotahwala, Shawn Jan, Christine Rezvanian, Todd L’Herrou, and Lyndsey McMillan.
Sponsors of the 27th Annual Old Bags Luncheon included: Exclusive Tote Sponsor – Amy Abrams. Wellness Sponsor – Rowe Plastic Surgery. Shoulder Bag Sponsor – Lindner Center of Hope. Silent Auction and Reception Sponsor – Skycap. Kelly Sponsor – Aileen and Bob Carlucci, Hope for Depression Research Foundation. Table Scape Sponsor – Clear Street. Cross Body Sponsors – Jim and Nancy Bush, Ann Davis and Robin Gillen, Nancy Haviland, and Diana Retzer. Exclusive Auction House / Antiques Sponsor – Freeman’s. Jackie Sponsors – Valerie Cooper, Frances Fisher, Nancy J. Kyle and Johnna Pomasan. Clutch Sponsors – Michelle Worth, Allure Aesthetics, Lubin Family Foundation and Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. Satchel Sponsors – Sharon Apple, Claudia Baggiano, Margaret Bazamic, Samantha Boles, Mario Ceste, David Handy, Laurie Sands Harrison, Michelle Russell-Johnson, Karen Kelly, Jean Shafiroff, Natasha Silver Bell, Claudette Spinelli, Tamra Williams, Gail Worth, Margaret’s the Couture Cleaner, Memorial Healthcare System and NeMours Children’s Health.
Transportation for Ms. Presley – Five Star Transportation. Donors – Diane Alfano, Rick and Mimi Fischbein, Andrea Wernick, and Lubin Family Foundation. Give Back Partners – Alice + Olivia, Five Story, Anne Fontaine Paris, and Tammy Apostle Couture. Jewelry Sponsor – Ruchi New York.
In Kind Supporters – Admirals Cove, Apogee, Carla Overhiser, Chiffique, Debora Hartman, Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club, Greatness Wins, Hedge New York, JONES ROAD, Karen Soven, Knollwood Country Club, Leta Lindley, Lost Tree Club, Milly Park, Old Marsh Club, Old Palm Golf Club, Palm Beach Country Club, Palm Beach Illustrated, Palm Beach Scene Magazine, Paul Labrecque, Renatos, Serena Uziyel, Teed Up Events, The Breakers, Trump International Palm Beach, Trump National Westchester, Luxury Day Charters, and Turtle Creek.
Supporting Businesses – Breakers Design Studio, Capehart, Five Star Transportation, Lawlor Media Group, MDH Printing, Minuteman Press, Ready Set Auction, S4T Group, Scott Velozo Graphic Design, The Auction Ladies, and Whitney Eramus.
About The Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, Inc.
Since 1961, The Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, Inc. has embraced the philosophy that families should be the center of the community, and the center of every family should be a healthy connection. The Center provides innovative programs that meet the changing and growing needs of individuals, families, and children in the community with their resources and social service programs. The Center for Family Services is accredited by CARF® International and by Nonprofits First for Excellence in Nonprofit Management.
For more information, please visit www.ctrfam.org
IG: @cfspbc | F: centerforfamilyservicespbc | X / T: @Center4FS @oldbagsluncheon
