Purse Auction: Going Once, Going Twice, Sold!
Each year, the Tipp Monroe Community Services Purse Auction and Luncheon marries a love of shopping with a love of giving back. The purse auction has been a staple in Tipp City for years but this year it included a creative twist.
The 2025 theme was Enchanted Fairy Garden and guests who purchased tables were able to decorate their own table centerpieces. The event hosted at the Tipp City Global Methodist Church in downtown also featured a variety of activities like a live and silent purse auction, a boutique, a luncheon, raffles, and door prizes. Proceeds go toward TMCS’s Lunch on Us Program, which provides free lunches to local children. Meals are prepared at the church and delivered to seven neighborhoods using a van provided by Tipp City Schools.
Longtime Tipp City resident, Sue Ann Ré has been to every purse auction since 2012 and explains why she loves going. “I love to go to the auction, the enthusiasm is wonderful, and the cause is a great one,” said Ré. Supporting this is providing hot, nutritious food for children of all ages, who might go without over the time school is out in the summer until it starts again.” Christy Jacobs sat at Sue Ann’s table. It was her first year going.
“I was absolutely blown away. It was probably the most impressive fundraising event I had ever attended. I had heard from others that it was a neat event, but seriously, I was blown away,” said Jacobs. “They had so much to offer, so many ways to raise funds. They had 50 to 60 donated designer purses filled with amazing items that were being sold for around $300-$500 per purse. If that was outside of your budget, they had raffles, 50/50 tickets, silent auctions, and gently used purses and jewelry for sale. It was very inclusive to everyone in attendance to be able to participate and contribute.”
Tipp Monroe Community Services is still calculating the total raised but say it is roughly $17,000. Thirteen tables were decorated in enchanted garden themes and the top prize was awarded to Tammy Rehnart. Her display featured a large tree, whimsical fairies, and twinkling lights. The live auction included 56 new purses several of which were donated by local businesses – each containing at least one gift card. The silent auction offered 36 new and gently used purses, while the boutique sold vintage and gently loved purses and jewelry. Both Ré and Jacobs say it is these types of events that make them love living in Tipp City.
“This auction is just one example of the giving, helping, caring nature of this community. I love my town, the friendly people and their willingness to help anyone in need, the closeness they provide. The atmosphere when shopping, eating out, the wonderful people at the library, any place a person goes, is hard to come by and we wouldn't want to be anywhere else,” said Ré.
“I love Tipp City’s charming small-town atmosphere, where friendly neighbors create a strong sense of community. The historic downtown, with its unique shops and local restaurants, adds character and a welcoming vibe. Plus, the highly rated Tipp City school system provides both an excellent education and extensive opportunities for students, making it a great place for families to live,” said Jacobs.
TCMS has already announced next year’s theme: Ohio on the Red Carpet. Guests will once again have the opportunity to decorate their own tables. Tickets for next year’s auction go on sale in February 2026.