Old Bag Luncheon May 23 at Peninsula Club to benefit ‘wounded warriors’

“This work tugs at my heart so much. I couldn’t have picked a better charity than Patriot Charities to work on,” said Paula Boykin of Mooresville.

Patriot Charities, a nonprofit, raises money to support “wounded warrior” programs in the Carolinas.

The group holds events twice a year in Charlotte. On Memorial Day, the Patriot Festival Go the Extra Mile 5K is held in Symphony Park at SouthPark.

“Many of the wounded warriors and war heroes are at the race. It’s an opportunity to meet folks who keep us safe every day,” said Boykin.

The first Saturday in November, the organization hosts the Patriot Gala, a fundraiser at Quail Hollow Country Club. Boykin is adding another fundraiser, the Old Bags Luncheon.

Well-known in New York, Palm Beach, Fla., and other cities, the trademarked event is coming to the Lake Norman area for the first time. It will be held May 23 at the Peninsula Club in Cornelius.

All proceeds will benefit Patriot Charities.

Chairwoman Boykin and a committee of 38 women from Mooresville to Huntersville are creating an opportunity for guests to enjoy a luncheon and give back to a local charity.

A large silent auction will feature “gently used” and new designer handbags, along with fashion accessories. In addition to the silent auction, a new bag, donated by Louis Vuitton and valued at $1,700, will be raffled.

Other donated pieces include jewelry from Diamonds Direct, a sponsor, and a necklace by jewelry designer Heather Moore. Her work is available at Neiman Marcus, a sponsor that also is donating an item.

Keynote speakers will be Heather Moore and Jan Fields, retired president of McDonald’s USA.

Fields began selling burgers at a McDonald’s restaurant at age 22 and worked her way up to the company’s corporate offices.

In her Cleveland studio, Moore designs jewelry to document life’s important stories.

As emcee, Sheri Lynch of the nationally syndicated “Bob & Sheri Show” will keep the momentum going.

Ticket sales have begun online. Boykin hopes the event sells out without issuing invitations.

A section of the printed program will be devoted to listing and saluting current and past veterans. Their names and service can be recognized for a $50 donation.

On Feb. 7, a ceremony at Richard’s Coffee House in Mooresville recognized two military heroes. Patriot Charities donated $20,000 to Purple Heart Homes, an organization that provides housing assistance for disabled veterans.

Mooresville resident Michael Benfield, 46, a former Naval Petty Officer, suffers from ALS symptoms and other medical conditions. He served in the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

A portion of the monies will be used to retrofit a downstairs bathroom for him.

Spc. Bryan Duckett, 31, from Waxhaw, served in the Air National Guard in Operation Iraqi Freedom and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. The donation will help provide a home for his family.

In conjunction with Hearts and Hammers, Military Family Lifestyle Charitable Foundation, Purple Heart Homes and Charlotte Bridge, Patriot Charities has contributed funds toward building homes on five lots in the Lake Norman area.

“The great thing about this event is every dollar is going toward building new homes for our injured warriors,” Boykin said.