Handbags Benefit Women’s Empowerment

Handbags Earn Youth Award for Giving Back

Haley Anthonisen, a local college student passionate about helping her community, recently earned the Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The honor was based on her years of commitment to giving back—which all culminated in a handbag.

Haley first approached our organization in 2005. She had started a business, Haley Corina Handbags. Using recycled men’s neckties, Haley put her sewing talent to work crafting beautiful, silk purses. From the start, Haley set a goal that a portion of each bag sold would benefit Women’s Empowerment. That year, and every year since, Haley has dutifully hand-delivered a check to our organization during the holiday season.

Yet, Haley’s energy and commitments stretch far beyond her purses. While attending Redlands College, Haley serves as Community Service Chair for the Greek Counsel, Panhellenic Counsel, and for Alpha Theta Phi. Wherever she goes, she yields to her internal community service calling.

College is not Haley’s first time volunteering. She has been doing it for years. In high school, Haley attended the Sierra Service Project through her church for four summers in a row. She spent a week working on various Native American Reservations helping patch roofs, build decks, paint houses, and build wheelchair ramps in Anaheim, Big Pine, Los Angeles, and Oregon.

When it comes to volunteering her time and giving of her resources, Haley’s efforts come from deep within. Her philosophy on fundraising isn’t frilly. Like the clean designs of her handbags, it’s uncomplicated, truthful, and oh-so-practical:

“I think that any kind of community service makes a difference whether it is just making one bracelet or spending a week helping a family by re-roofing their house. I believe my generation has the ability to change the world and every little thing helps. It’s a matter of taking a few hours every once in a while out of a busy schedule that could make a years’ difference for someone else.”

You can help Haley make a difference. Buy one of her handbags. They make great holiday gifts!