Even in down economic times a little frivolity and a little charity go a long way. Held November 7th in the Estero Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, this year's ICAN Handbag Auction attracted female (and male) fashionistas from all over the Southwest Florida Area. The event featured premier designer, celebrity, artist inspired, one-of-
a-kind, and “previously loved” handbags, on display during the silent auction held duing the Handbag Happyhour.

Gourmet Girl Magazine was proud to be a part of this wonderful event and donated 5 handbags to the silent auction.

Chico's Charities was largley involved as they have been for a good many years. The evening's live auction was hosted by Chico's Cole Peacock and the main attraction was the beautiful, one of a kind, handbag custom designed  by one of Chico's own, Michael Chase.

The Handbag Auction Photo Gallery

Elaine with Chico's Cole Peacock, designer Michael Chase and his one of a kind Chico's Bag!

 Elaine and Fox 4's Amy Sedlacek                    Prawnbroker's Mark Blust and Elaine

 The Bags

About ICAN

The Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN) was founded in 1987 and incorporated as a not for profit corporation in 1989. Its mission is "To stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida." As a community based AIDS service organization, ICAN provides a wide variety of services to its clients as well as the general public.

Services include client emergency assistance fund, transportation, food and vitamin supplements through our food pantry, HIV/AIDS classes and training, HIV prevention services, Project AIDS Care Medicaid Waiver (PAC) case management, the SISTA & SOUL Projects, Ryan White Care Act case management and on-site commercial rental for HIV/AIDS related medical and allied health services. PAC services are provided to over 350 clients who have been diagnosed with AIDS each year, and Ryan White services are provided annually to more than 200 persons who are HIV positive.

PAC services include skilled nursing, personal care, homemaker, chore service, physical therapy, environmental modification, special medical supplies, therapeutic massage, education and support, substance abuse treatment and case management. Ryan White services include physician visits, medication, dental services, medication compliance, diagnostic testing, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, AIDS Insurance Continuation Program (AICP) and case management.

To learn more about how you can help, go to their website by clicking on the ICAN logo above.