Compiled by reporter Jennifer Barrs

Numerous Tampa Bay area celebrities, ranging from local artist Carolyn Heller to executive chef Rita Carlino, have designed handbags for the “Old Bags Luncheon,”' a benefit for the local chapter of The Ophelia Project.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m. May 2 at Tampa’s Wyndam Harbour Island Hotel, the event will include a silent auction of these handbags and other designer styles. A Neiman Marcus representative will discuss trends in fashion handbags, as well as conduct a prize drawing. And Linda Spalla, author of Leading Ladies: 30 Tips For Dynamic Female Leaders, will speak.

Tickets are $50 and include lunch. The hotel is at 725 Harbour Island Blvd. S., Tampa.

The Ophelia Project - Tampa Bay strives to ensure girls develop strong self-images. Part of a national organization formed in the late 1990s, the Tampa chapter is a community group of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

Reservations need to be made by Monday. Call (813) 275-9622, Ext. 254, or (813) 760-0577.
Published by the Tampa Tribune; 4/25/03 (View this article online at The Tampa Tribune).