DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University Athletic Department partnered with the Old Bags® to host the Raise The Purse luncheon on Thursday in the Courtside Club of the Shrivers Basketball Practice Facility.
 
"I would like to thank our chair members Suzie Burt, Irene Knapp and Ginny Knapp Haviland. Their support for this event really shows the power of philanthropy in the Des Moines area," said Drake Associate Athletics Director Patrick Tomka. "The event helped us showcase Drake University and the athletic department to a new audience and it was fun to see everybody so engaged."
 
The event began with a silent auction featuring more than 150 gently used designer and high-end purses and handbags and several Drake Athletics-themed bags. Following the lunch, a live auction, including a number of VIP packages took place.
 
The luncheon closed with comments from Director of Athletics Sandy Hatfield Clubb and head women's basketball coach Jennie Baranczyk, who shared the vision of Drake Athletics, which is to make world a better place one Bulldog leader at a time through living the Bulldog Way.
 
The Old Bags Luncheon® is a national fundraising platform and thanks to the leadership of faithful supporter, Suzie Burt, Old Bags® partnered with the Bulldogs for their first ever fall fundraiser.