ROCKWALL, TX (September 24, 2020) Last year at this time, Bubbles & Bags organizers never anticipated that a global pandemic would disrupt plans for an even bigger and better Designer Purse BINGO celebration in 2020. After all, the 2019 fundraiser was such a success that tickets sold out within hours and more than 600 party-goers filled the Oil Baron’s Ballroom at Southfork Ranch, raising over $100,000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County. The CAC’s inaugural BINGO event in 2018 at The Pearl in Royse City also drew a sell-out crowd.
So earlier this spring as COVID-19 forced restrictions on large group gatherings, the 2020 Bubbles & Bags committee knew they had to do something to re-invent the third annual fundraiser as a crowd-pleasing, virtual event. Only one thing was certain: Bubbles & Bags would once again feature local first responders, modeling designer handbags that would be auctioned off to benefit the CAC.
“This year’s event did not disappoint,” said Kasey Hogland, Bubbles and Bags Committee Chair. “Although we didn’t do BINGO as in years past, we were able to welcome back our police officers, host virtual watch parties, and raise more than $110,000 through our live and silent auctions, raffle ticket sales, and donations.”
The outdoor stage at Standard Service in Heath served as home base for 2020’s event, which was broadcast live on Facebook on September 12, with the help of Blue Ribbon News/BRN Media. Local law enforcement officers “modeled” two Louis Vuitton handbags which ultimately fetched over $20,000.
Three designer hand-bag themed cakes by My Southern Sugar Bakers garnered more than $2,600 in the live auction. Small group watch parties competed in a fundraising challenge, which resulted in both the Service First Mortgage and Hyundai of Greenville watch parties receiving surprise visits from our models. Models were shuttled by Toyota of Rockwall, and guests were presented with pink roses supplied by Sabrina’s Flowers.
Kathleen Popp and Gail Fletcher were the lucky winners of in the Louis Vuitton raffle. Tyler Smith of Fate Police Department was crowned King of Bubbles & Bags 2020 for modeling it best, and collecting the most money in tips.
“Our community showed up and tuned in, so that children who have suffered abuse can begin the process of hope and healing,” said Patricia Mejia, President and CEO of the CAC. She explained that the CAC is a non-profit agency that provides a multi-agency, coordinated approach to the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child sexual and physical abuse.
“Research from reported cases tells us that for every one child that makes an outcry, there are nine others who do not tell. While we’re very blessed to live in a community like Rockwall, child abuse knows no boundaries. By working with our partner agencies, we help strengthen that investigative process and provide restoration for the children and their non-offending family members. Direct services offered include case coordination, forensic interviews, family advocacy and onsite counseling. All services are provided to these families free of charge,” Patricia said.
The CAC would like to give a shout-out to this year’s Title Sponsor, Wendi Conley Team, Fathom Realty; as well as Watch Party Sponsors Robin Chouteau, Greenville Nissan/Hyundai; Natalie Davenport, Service First Mortgage; Brady Z Hill, Farmers Insurance; Fair Texas Title; Fite Agency; Rockwall County Republican Women’s Club; Lacy Deckard, Realtor; and Triple Creek Red Angus. Other sponsors included Oncor Electric; Aurentz Dental; Williamson Foundation Repair; Sabrina’s Flowers; and ConfettE. Toyota of Rockwall provided shuttle service and Blue Ribbon News served as Media Sponsor.
Bikes for Tykes
On Sunday, September 20, America’s Guardians Motorcycle Club—Texas 28A hosted their 5th Annual Bikes for Tykes event, an iconic Teddy Bear ride with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County. The club is made up of law enforcement, public safety personnel, and military veterans who have a heart for helping those whom cannot help themselves. This year was a milestone for the event; Michael Meek, aka Mad Dog, shared that “despite the challenges of 2020, we raised over $40,000—the most money raised to date. We are thankful for everyone that helped make this possible: riders, sponsors, and vendors.”
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News/BRN Media, in collaboration with the CAC. Courtesy photos.
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