COMPASS Rape Crisis to Host Purses for a Purpose Event

Tote, satchel, clutch or hobo — whatever style handbag you favor, you can find it at Purses for a Purpose. A signature COMPASS (Sexual Assault Education, Prevention & Support) (COMPASS) event, Purses for a Purpose kicks off Sexual Assault Awareness Month with an online purse auction and a culminating in-person celebration on April 3 at the Cultural Center for Arts in downtown Canton from 5:30 to 8 p.m.  

“All too often, survivors of sexual assault feel shame and embarrassment. At COMPASS, we want to create a culture where survivors can feel encouraged and empowered when they tell their stories. Purses for a Purpose is not only a fundraiser for COMPASS, it is a night to come together to show support and solidarity for all of those in our community that have been impacted by sexual violence,” said Molly MacMath, Executive Director of COMPASS.   

This year’s community chairperson for the event is Kristen Petrilla, who has served on the board of many local organizations and has hosted many fundraising events in the Canton area in the last two decades. 

“Sexual violence is not a women’s issue. It’s not a children’s issue. It is not a man’s issue. It is a worldwide humanitarian issue that deserves our immediate attention.” Petrilla said. “I cannot wait to welcome everyone to our event on April 3 at the Canton Cultural Center. It is going to be a wonderful evening.” 

The auction will have a wide selection of purses, bags and totes to bid on — and each bag is filled with mystery items with a minimum value of $50! Online bidding has begun and will end at 7:30 p.m. April 3. 

Handbags from designers including Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Coach, Tory Burch and more will be available for bidding and mystery items inside include gift cards, wine, jewelry and MORE!!! 

Tickets for the in-person celebration are $50 and include appetizers and a cash bar. There also will be event-only merchandise, including purses, custom bracelets, T-shirts and rosette pins available. This year’s event also includes a purse raffle for a Gucci Marmont mini shoulder bag. There are only 200 raffle tickets, and they are $25 each. To purchase event tickets, raffle tickets and bid in the online auction, visit compassrapecrisis.org/purses. To donate or get additional information, email donations@compassrapecrisis.org

Proceeds raised from Purses for a Purpose will support crisis intervention and advocacy support, along with the purchase of comfort kits, journals and other healing items for survivors of sexual assault. 

The mission and vision of COMPASS is to promote the healing of individuals impacted by sexual violence, create social change and to strive for a community where all people can live free of sexual violence. For more than 25 years COMPASS has been serving the Stark, Tuscarawas, and Carroll County communities by providing education, prevention and support to schools and organizations.  

The 24-hour hotline for those seeking assistance regarding a sexual assault is: 330-339-1427 (Tusc) or 330-452-1111 (Stark). 

Information on trainings, prevention programs or counseling services can be found on the COMPASS website: compassrapecrisis.org.  

ABOUT COMPASS (SEXUAL ASSAULT EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND SUPPORT): 

COMPASS provides victim advocacy, sexual assault prevention through community awareness and education, and support groups for sexual assault survivors. COMPASS is an affiliate of Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Inc. Goodwill is a proven social enterprise that works closely with other non-profit agencies as well as community businesses to prepare people for a variety of stable career options and in turn, a more productive and sustainable way of life. Revenue from its retail stores helps Goodwill provide people with the life changing, skill-building programs and services needed to remove common barriers to good jobs. Learn more at GoodwillGoodSkills.org.