Can I enter more than one handbag?
You are welcome to submit as many entries as you like. The more bags, the more funds raised to prevent homelessness. The only restriction is that to enter the contest each must be original and have its own complete entry form. Our buyers would be disappointed to see a bag they purchased as original being sold in quantity later on.
Can I enter a bag without entering the contest?
All bags donated will be sold or auctioned. If you don’t desire to enter the contest, please check the box which says “My handbag is a donation for the auction or sale. I acknowledge that I will not be eligible for any prizes”.
Will you accept entries from another country?
All donations will be accepted!
Can I include a business card with my handbag?
Please feel free to include a business card with your handbag. We will include that information when the handbag is sold or auctioned.
Will you notify me my bag is selected as one of the top 10 bags?
The Top 10 bags will be announced at the Bags2Riches Gala prior to September 28, 2008. Up to 40 other bags will receive the 2008 Bags2Riches label and be included in the silent auction at this event. Only the Top 10 designers will be notified after the Gala. All designers will receive a postcard acknowledging their handbag has been received. Look back onto this website beginning September 28 to discover the Top 10 handbags!
When must my handbag be received?
All handbags must be received by August 20, 2008. Handbags received after that date will be considered a donation and sold or auctioned to help prevent homelessness.
How will the top 10 handbags be chosen?
A team of judges will select the Top 10 bags to be matched in a Fashion Show on October 8th. Criteria for selection include: originality, design elements, and quality of workmanship.
Who will win Most Original Handbag Award?
The Most Original Handbag Award will be presented to the handbag with the most public votes. Votes will cost $5 a piece or 6 for $20. Voting will begin on-line on September 28. On-line voting will end October 6. Public voting will continue October 8th at the Artsgarden until 12:30pm, with the winning bag announced at 1:00pm. Each of the Top 10 Bags will be awarded to one lucky voter!
If I am chosen as one of the Top 10, can I solicit votes?
You are heartily encouraged to solicit votes from friends, neighbors and co-workers! The $1,000 Grand Prize will be awarded to the bag which receives the most votes and we have found that it is the efforts of the designers to solicit votes that can make the biggest difference. (In 2007, the top 2 bags were separated by only 3 votes, so every vote you solicit can make a difference!)
How should I mail my entry? (Here's a tip!)
All bags should be mailed to the address on the entry form. Here's a tip: Take care in how you mail the bag. With so many bags, we are unable to prepare every bag, so it will be displayed as mailed. If you take time to mail it, already stuffed and not folded, it will enhance the presentation of your bag.
What are the special labels for up to 40 additional bags?
A special Bags2Riches 2008 label will be inserted in the Top 10 bags and up to 40 other bags. This label is to brand the bags as the best of the best and only available at Bags2Riches 2008. These bags will be included in the Gala Event on September 25.
