Oprah Donates Versace, Ferragamo & Other Designer Handbags to Hospital Auction

This should come as no surprise from a woman who is pegged as one of the biggest philanthropist in the country. Oprah Winfrey recently donated seven signed designer handbangs to York Hospital’s breast care program. The “pink pals” who organized the event — Ellen Baldwin, Cathy Barnhorst, Barbara Conda and Leslie Ware — said they never dreamed that Winfrey would respond, but were pleasantly surprised when she did.

Committee member Leisa Smith, a York Hospital dietitian, contacted Winfrey ( the team created a video in which they sang a song asking for Winfrey’s support). Oprah agreed and the hospital received two large boxes with seven designer handbags — from Marc Jacobs to Ferragamo — that were signed by, and once used by, her. A Versace bag of hers is available for online auction. The online and live auction raises money for York Hospital’s Breast Cancer Living Well Program, a fund that helps create programs and services for those going through breast cancer treatment. The sold-out “Santa’s Got A Brand New Bag” event will be held Thursday, Nov. 15, at Portsmouth Harbor Events and Conference Center in Portsmouth, N.H. For information, or to bid online, visit www.yorkhospital.com and click on the “Santa’s Got a Brand New Bag” event button. [Associated Press]