Gulfshore Life: Bags & Bow Ties 2024 is Shelter’s first gala
Reporter Jacquelyn Kisic
In 2022, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office received 1,693 calls to 911 for domestic violence incidents. Those calls and the resulting pain inflicted on victims cost the community more than $31 million in law enforcement, medical care, lost work hours and productivity.
According to Linda Oberhaus, CEO of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, domestic violence and human trafficking have escalated in our community.
“The state of Florida ranks third in the nation for calls to the Human Trafficking Hotline,” said Oberhaus, “In Florida, the Fort Myers-Naples area ranks third in the state for the number of calls to the hotline.”
Wednesday evening, The Shelter held Bags & Bow Ties, its first-ever evening gala. The event featured a silent auction of more than 125 designer handbags at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort. From international to local designers, the goal of the event was to raise funds as well as awareness for The Shelter’s programs and services.
According to Diane McCaw and Linda Meak, co-chairs of the event, The gala took close to a year in preparation.
Both Chairs said while The Shelter’s luncheons have been successful, they hoped to attract more men and couples by offering a evening gala. The goal of the evening was to educate and raise awareness about the staggering issue of domestic violence and human trafficking.
“The dress code is anything from a jacket to a tux, but a bow tie is a must,” said Meak, “We thought it would be a wonderful idea to do an evening event to bring and introduce more men to The Shelter.”
Designer Jennifer Tattanelli donated His & Hers large-medium duffle bags to the live auction. Other Southwest Florida designers D. Lacquaniti and Turk and Turk displayed bags and shoes for those to bid.
The designers and founders of the luxury clothing brand Turk and Turk, Iikay and Rasit, were one of the live auctions of the night.
“Our goal and our heart is believing, and supporting our community,” said Iikay Turk. Her husband, Rasit, added, “We are obligated to do that, to grow our community.”
