HOPEWAY'S INAUGURAL HANDBAG AUCTION

Amanda Hollingsworth, Sandra Levine and Amy Dawson.

Emily Maynard Johnson, right, was one of the committee members.

Gina Lawrence and Lori Sklut.

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

The inaugural What Are You Carrying? designer handbag auction at Quail Hollow Club was an evening of education, awareness and fun. The 300 guests bid on a selection of designer purses with proceeds going to support the therapeutic programs and financial assistance at HopeWay, Charlotte’s mental health treatment center offering residential and day treatment for adults in a first-class setting.

Funds raised go to HopeWay’s financial assistance program that increases access to a wider population of men and women who need help. Since opening in November of 2016, HopeWay has provided over $1 million in financial assistance and served nearly 700 people.

The event committee included Amy Levine Dawson, Preeti Deshmukh, Emily Maynard Johnson, Kara Olsen, Taylor Russ, Laura Philipson, Lori Levine Sklut, and Nazy Weeks. A Challenge Grant from Lori and Eric Sklut matched direct contributions to HopeWay up to $20,000.

The event was a huge success and raised more than $111,000 for HopeWay.

ALLEGRO FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR'S BALL

Molly Schugel and Jason Schugel, Allegro Board Chairman and Chief Risk Officer for Ally Financial; Greta Mulhall; Pat Farmer, Allegro Founder & President; His Excellency, Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States; and Dr. John Young, Ireland's First Honorary Consul for North Carolina and Founder of McLaughlin Young Group.

Elizabeth Tanos-Priest, Allegro Foundation Founder and President Pat Farmer and Christina Melissaris.

Violinist Dennis Spring

Christina Melissaris

Felipe Gonzalez Edmiston and Bryan Edmiston.

Donna and Al de Molina.

Peg and George Povinelli.

Katrina and Bruce Moffett.

Kathy Reichs, internationally renowned author and creator of the TV show, Bones, with her husband, Paul.

Larry Sprinkle, Morning Forecaster at WCNC - NBC Charlotte.

Felix Sabates, host of the Ambassador's Ball and owner of Felix Sabates Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte.

His Excellency Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.

Pat Farmer presents an award to Ernest Perry, Owner and President of Perry's Diamonds and Estate Jewelry.

Allegro Student Presenters with their Teaching Assistants from Bailey Middle School in Cornelius.

Allegro Student Presenters with their Teaching Assistants from Bailey Middle School in Cornelius.

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, was the honoree at the Ambassador’s Ball at Quail Hollow Club. The Irish-themed fundraiser was a benefit for the Allegro Foundation, a Champion of Children with Disabilities. Highlights of the evening were a special performance by the children of Allegro and their teacher assistants, and Ambassador Mulhall’s presentation of a gift of Waterford crystal to the event’s host, Felix Sabates.