For many in Bonner and Boundary counties, helping the community's youth is in the bag.

Well, to be completely accurate, in the handbags.

Through North Idaho CASA's annual Purse Party, area women can select from among hundreds of slightly used handbags previously donated at purse drops throughout the community.

This year's Purse Party fundraiser will be Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Pend d’Oreille Winery tasting room, 301 Cedar St. The event runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Guests can enjoy appetizers and wine while they chat with neighbors and friends, mingle and shop.

Proceeds benefit the North Idaho CASA program, which provides trained advocates for more than 240 child abuse and neglect victims in North Idaho. The court-appointed special advocates investigate child protection cases, represent each child’s best interests in court and assist with reunification or safe transitions into permanent homes.

"For many older children, CASA advocates may be the only stable adults in their lives," Kristin Ludwig, director of development at North Idaho CASA, said.

CASA's signature fundraiser in Bonner and Boundary counties, the annual Purse Party dates back to the early 2000s, with some having been a part of the event for decades.

It began as a way to get together with friends, maybe find a new handbag and simply have fun. That it allowed community members to help North Idaho CASA raise much-needed funds made it a must-attend event.

"The concept is brilliant: collect handbags at purse drops throughout the community that are slightly loved and resell them for charity," Ludwig said previously.

CASA also works to provide resources and outreach programs to foster youth outside of the courtroom. Every dollar donated helps improve the life of a child suffering from trauma, helping them become a success, not a statistic, Ludwig said.

In Bonner and Boundary counties, CASA is serving 43 children, 20 of whom are over the age of 14. 

"Having just one stable adult in a child's life has been proven to enhance their success in school and provide hope for a brighter future," Ludwig said. 

Through donations and fundraisers, such as the Purse Party, North Idaho CASA raises funds to recruit, train and support enough advocates to ensure that every child victim has a voice in court, Ludwig said. The organization also works to provide resources and a variety of outreach programs to foster youth. 

News of the upcoming event is just one of several shared by the organization, which also announced the addition of former Kinderhaven director Jennifer Plummer to the North Idaho CASA staff.

Plummer, with deep experience, brings valuable expertise to her role, Ludwig said. 

She is equally excited to join CASA, Plummer said.

"I am delighted to be in this position and sincerely thankful for the opportunity to work with our dedicated and dynamic North Idaho CASA team," she added. "I am grateful for every step that has led me here, and it is an honor to serve our local children once again."

Local partners for the 2025 purse drop locations are Finan McDonald, Eve's Leaves and the Style Bar.

For more information on this event and other CASA outreach programs, including ways to volunteer, visit northidahocasa.org.

    Shoppers pose for a photo while attending at a past Purse Party event. The North Idaho CASA fundraiser — this year set for Thursday, Nov. 20 — raises money to support Bonner County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates program.
  

    Shoppers at a past Purse Party event are pictured at a past event. The North Idaho CASA fundraiser — this year set for Thursday, Nov. 20 — raises money to support Bonner County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates program.