Celebrating a Milestone: The 25th Annual Old Bags Luncheon Silver Jubilee

Updated posts 2026

In the heart of Palm Beach, the Center for Family Services Palm Beach County hosted its signature event, the Old Bags Luncheon, at the luxurious Breakers Palm Beach. This year marked a significant milestone for the fundraiser, celebrating its 25th anniversary – a Silver Jubilee of unparalleled success and philanthropic impact. The event not only paid tribute to a quarter-century of commitment to local needs but also shone with star power, featuring keynote speaker Martha Stewart and honoring Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger with the inaugural Fashion and Philanthropy Award.

A Tradition of Elegance and Aid

The Old Bags Luncheon has become an iconic event in Palm Beach, known for its unique blend of fashion, philanthropy, and community support. It serves as a pivotal moment each year for raising funds and awareness for the Center for Family Services, an organization dedicated to strengthening families within the community. This year’s Silver Jubilee was a testament to the enduring appeal and impact of the luncheon, drawing a host of notable attendees and philanthropists eager to support the cause.

The name is the clue to how the event works. Guests donate designer handbags they no longer carry, which are then auctioned to other guests — a format that turns an idle asset into cash for the charity while costing the donor nothing she valued. Resale-value items are unusually well suited to this, since a handbag from an established house holds a predictable secondary price that bidders can judge on sight. Twenty-five years is a long run for any fundraiser, and formats that ask guests to part with something they already own tend to outlast those that simply ask for cheques.

Star-Studded Attendees and Honors

The luncheon was graced by the presence of lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart, who delivered the keynote speech, and Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, who was recognized for her contributions to fashion and philanthropy. The event also attracted an array of celebrities, designers, and philanthropic leaders, including Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Quirantes, Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Ramona Singer, among others. The collective star power and commitment of these attendees underscored the luncheon’s importance as a beacon of support for the Center for Family Services.

About the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County

Since its inception in 1961, the Center for Family Services has been a cornerstone of support for individuals, families, and children in Palm Beach County. With a focus on fostering healthy connections within families and the community, the Center provides a range of innovative programs and services tailored to meet evolving needs. Its dedication to excellence has earned national accreditation from the Council on Accreditation and local recognition for nonprofit management.

A Future of Continued Impact

As the 25th Annual Old Bags Luncheon Silver Jubilee concludes, the legacy of this cherished event continues. The funds raised and the awareness generated promise to further empower the Center for Family Services in its mission to support and uplift the community. With the backing of esteemed figures like Martha Stewart and Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, along with the generosity of countless attendees and supporters, the future looks bright for this vital Palm Beach institution.

For those inspired by the event’s mission and wishing to contribute or learn more, the Center for Family Services welcomes engagement and support. As it moves forward, the organization remains committed to being a source of hope, support, and innovation for Palm Beach County’s families and children, building a stronger, healthier community for all.