10th Annual Benefit for Women Veterans: 100 Pretty Purses to Mark 2,000 Lives Changed Since 2015
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CHICAGO - illiNews -- 100 Pretty Purses for Female Veterans is gearing up for its monumental 10th Annual end-of-the-year celebration, set to highlight the rich history and significant contributions of women veterans throughout U.S. history and raise awareness around issues impacting women veterans today—including homelessness and financial abuse.

This 10-year benefit celebration, set for December 14, 2024, in Frankfort, IL, marks a significant milestone for the Chicago non-profit for women veterans and its leadership. Led by US Army Veteran Yvette Jones-Swanson, 100 Pretty Purses for Female Veterans is a Chicago women's veterans non-profit that seeks to shed light on veterans' issues while providing a safe space to allow solutions and innovations to take shape. Over 70,000 bags have been gifted to marginalized women since 2015.

"As a woman veteran myself, I know firsthand the challenges we face when the uniform comes off, and 100 Pretty Purses for Female Veterans exists to remind these women they're never forgotten. This year's celebration isn't just about our 10 years of service, but about thousands of women veterans, like those in the 6888 battalion, whose courage has shaped our nation's history," adds Yvette Jones-Swanson.

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Since 2015, the Chicago-based non-profit has helped homeless and at-risk women veterans find housing, pay bills, and locate social support services in their neighborhoods. What started with one purse,  has culminated in over 70,000 handbags, clutches, purses, and gift bags donated to women veterans across the Chicagoland area and beyond.

"Every purse we've gifted represents a story of resilience, a life touched, and a chance at hope. Together, we honor those who came before us, stand with those fighting today, and pave the way for the next generation of women in uniform," says Yvette Jones-Swanson, US Army Veteran and founder of 100 Pretty Purses for Female Veterans.

The donation and awareness campaign kicked off in mid-September with the "Pretty with a Purpose" mid-year pop-up, where small business vendors, many veteran-owned, gathered to shop, connect, and drop off gently used or new purses.

This year's celebration comes at a timely moment, as Tyler Perry's upcoming film 6888 brings renewed attention to the legacy of women of color in the military, including the overlooked sacrifices and accomplishments of women veterans.

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Join us in making a difference—support women veterans today by donating gently used purses at 140 Oak Street in Frankfort, IL.

Registration is Open! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10th-annual-100-pretty-purses-for-female-veterans-gala-tickets-801849622807?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact gabrielle@pickenscreative.com