2015 Lupus handbag luncheon

The silent auction featured more than 100 magnificent handbags donated by top designers and celebrities to fund lupus research. Among the collection is one of today's 'hottest' bags -- the Baylee handbag from Chloé.

Donated bags with a personal story include Brett Heyman's from Edie Parker and a custom design by Tabitha Sukhai, luxury leather goods maker Wink & Winn in memory of her best friend who recently passed away from lupus complications.

"We thank everyone whose hard work has made this luncheon an annual NY institution," said S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and LRI CEO Margaret Dowd. "Thanks to our supporters, we have generated over $200 million to advance lupus research. And the resulting discoveries are transforming patients' lives with better treatments underway as we drive toward prevention and a cure."

NY's Leaders Support Lupus Active Board member and lupus patient Carol Weisman co-chaired this year's luncheon withMichelle Gadsden-Williams, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Ceiling Breakers, LLC.

Many members of the Foundation's Board were also involved including founder Susan Golick,Jennie and Richard DeScherer, Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg, and Fern Kaye Tessler. The Foundation's growing Young Leaders group was well represented among guests and volunteers. Noted philanthropists and socialites in attendance included Heather Albert, Jill Costas, Cindy Secunda, Kate Kelly,Katja Goldman, Nancy Poses,John Silverman,Michael Weisman and Barbara Zucker.

Fashion Industry Gets Behind Lupus Fight Several fashion VIPs attended including Anne Keating, Senior Vice President of Public Relations, Special Events & Corporate Philanthropy at Bloomingdale's, Inc.; Danielle DiFerdinando, Founder of Danielle Nicole Handbags; Foundation board member Mary Belle, fashion industry leader; and Karen Giberson, President, Accessories Council.