‘Herstory: Power of the Purse’

Steel drum music supplied by Richard Semper, Jr. added to the relaxed Sunday brunch atmosphere.

Folks enjoyed brunch with some handbags on the side at “Herstory: Power of the Purse,” benefitting Women’s Housing Coalition. Sloane Brown

Beth Benner, left, Women’s Housing Coalition executive director, and Odette Ramos, Baltimore city councilwoman.

The Women’s Housing Coalition had its latest fundraiser in the bag. Literally.

Entitled “Herstory: Power of the Purse,” the party featured a silent auction of new and gently used handbags, donated by local stores and supporters. Purses sat atop pedestals and tables scattered throughout The Elm, against the backdrop of art and a vintage car parked inside the building. There, some 65 guests bid on the bags while enjoying Sunday brunch made to order on the premises — champagne and mimosas — and live steel drum music.

The inaugural soirée raised around $17,000 for the Women’s Housing Coalition — which provides housing and services for people who were formerly homeless and their families — and its Margaret Bennett House, home to 30 women.