I know this this weekend is the Superbowl for football fans (mostly men) but last weekend was a Superbowl made for women.  It was the 9th annual Old Bag Luncheon and fundraiser for R & R retreats.  It is a time for women to get together, have lunch with friends and family and then win purses.  Yes.  You read that right.  They raffle off over 100 new and gently used purses and the women go CRAZY for it!  It is so much fun to watch and be a part of. 

I have been lucky enough to be a part of this luncheon for years, but this year Diane asked if I could do pictures (as the other photographer moved away….we missed you Lynette).  I was thrilled to combine a little work and a little play!

Over 220 women attended the event this year and helped raise a huge amount of money for this wonderful ministry.  I love seeing the women with their friends!

R&R provides retreats for the women of Colorado (and around the world) and helps them to find rest and renewal both physically and spiritually.  You can find more information about their upcoming retreats on their website here.  I have been lucky enough to be on one of their retreats and it was healing for the mind and soul!

 

Look at all of these beautiful purses.  It is so fun to see which women go home with which purse.  They are like matches made in heaven. 

As women arrive they puruse the tables and do some purse “shopping”.  They find purses they love and put “girl bucks” (aka raffle tickets) in the little bags attached to the purse they can’t live without. 

Then the anticipation begins.  Beautiful worship begins the luncheon and then women give testimony to how R&R retreats have changed them for the better.

 

Then it is raffle time!  The brand new bags at the front of the ballroom are each brought forward and a “girl buck” is drawn out and then the excitement begins.

I love to see the faces of the women when the win!  They come running.

Even the little girls get in on the action and they are adorable.

It is the most exciting fundraiser I have ever been to!

Here are the proud owners of their new purses.

Thanks Melissa for stealing my camera and getting a picture of me and my new purse.  

Isn’t it cute?? 

Diane has built this ministry with a wonderful board of women supporting and surrounding her.  Look at these beautiful women of God.

These women were up until all hours of the night getting ready for the event and yet they are still are beautiful and full of joy!

 

Among other things….Diane has just written a devotional book.  It looks amazing and I can’t wait to pick one up.  If you are interested in this daily journal/devotional you can pick it up here on Amazon.

This Purse Auction/Old Bag Luncheon is always the Sunday before the Superbowl, so if you are interested in winning a purse in 2018 put it on your calendar NOW!  You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you Diane for having me and for the wonderful work you do with women in Colorado and around the world!

To see the full gallery of pictures click here.  

For more pictures visit www.photolilo.com or my Facebook page.