ST. PETERSBURG, FL – BSWANKY, a luxury handbag retailer in Sarasota, FL, has partnered with the local nonprofit PARC to help raise funds for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the coronavirus outbreak has left many businesses closing their doors, BSWANKY has ramped up its efforts to sell with a goal of giving back to the community. 

PARC initially reached out to BSWANKY when it was discovered they had shifted their focus to facemask needs – they’re using materials and machinery to produce the highly requested personal protective equipment (PPE) to local senior living, nursing home and rehabilitation centers. And like professionals at nursing homes and other health facilities, PARC’s Direct Support Professionals are critical lines of defense against this pandemic. Each day, they work in close quarters, doing everything from helping people feed, dress, bathe and care for themselves to supporting people to navigate the community, get a job, vote and more. Although PARC’s day programming has been closed to protect their population from the coronavirus, staff that support Residential Services and Community-based programming continue to work on the frontlines. 

To help show their support PARC during this crisis, BSWANKY offered to donate one of their most popular handbags to help raise much needed funds during these uncertain times. In addition, for the next two weeks (ending April 19th) select handbags on BSWANKY’s website will be up to 50% off with a 10% giveback to PARC, including limited editions and luxury collection handbags. “We believe that facing the effects of the coronavirus is not all about profits and job loss, but about businesses coming together to help people here in our hometown” said BSWANKY CEO Gretchen Bauer. 

From now until the 17th, people can purchase a $100 raffle ticket on PARC’s website, entering them into a chance to win a Sophia Maverick Sundance luxury handbag valued at $1,200. This handbag is owned by Mark Cuban’s wife, Tiffany, Real Housewives of Dallas Star, D’Andra Simmons and is on its way to Dallas Maverick’s CEO Cynthia Marshall as she adored it as one of the premier auction items at the Dallas Mavericks Ball in March. BSWANKY has donated over $100,000 in handbags to local nonprofits since the business was established just over two years ago. 

The current COVID-19 outbreak is creating an evolving situation with varied impacts around the world. PARC is facing new challenges as many of their in-person fundraising events have been postponed due to social distancing guidelines, and they rely heavily on funds raised to continue 

providing the life-enriching opportunities to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

PARC has been providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 65 years. Using a “person-centered” approach, PARC provides programs and services helping those exercise their independence and experience life to the fullest. To participate in PARC’s “Purse with a Purpose” fundraiser, visit their website at www.parc-fl.org. 

PARC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for children & adults with developmental disabilities to exercise their independence and experience life to the fullest. PARC provides over 40 programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Established in 1953, PARC currently serves more than 800 people in the greater St. Petersburg area. 3190 Tyrone Boulevard North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 | (727) 345-9111 | www.parc-fl.org 

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