LovePurse

About last night. I had the pleasure of attending an incredible evening at the Peruvian Connection event hosted by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Met the owner Annie Hurlbut and Kay Moini as well as the Consulate General of Peru, Veronika Bustamante. They will be supporting this year's gala and we couldn't be more grateful and excited. Thank you to my dear friend Cesar Rolon for making the connection.

We are thrilled to share some incredible news! The incomparable Opal Staples, a powerhouse vocalist whose commanding presence and flawless voice have captivated audiences for more than 25 years, will debut an original song at this year’s Love Purse “88 Miles to Impact: Back to the Future” Gala. This piece is a tribute to the strength, dignity, and resilience of the women we serve.

You’ve seen her shine on platforms like *The Oprah Winfrey Show*, McDonald’s, Verizon, and hit TV series including *Empire*, *The Chi*, *Chicago P.D.*, and the new drama *61st Street*. Now she’s bringing her brilliance to our mission. Her voice. Our mission. One unforgettable moment of impact. ❤️👜

Join us for an immersive, time‑bending evening filled with empowerment, transformation, entertainment, surprises, signature cocktails + mocktails, delicious bites, a raffle, and a silent auction. This isn’t just a gala — it’s a movement. It’s a celebration. It’s a chance to change the trajectory of a woman’s life.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

📅 Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
📍 Time: 6:00 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets! https://conta.cc/44euqow

Big news! 📣
We’re excited to announce our 2026 Love Purse Gala Honorary Co-Chairs: Sheila R. Brown, Founder of The Self-Trust Lab, and Edgaras Valecka, VP, Business Banking Center Manager at PNC Bank. Their commitment to community, advocacy, and women’s empowerment will help make this year’s gala our most impactful yet.

Sheila R. Brown is a transformational speaker, thought leader, and Founder of The Self-Trust Lab, where she helps people build earned confidence and self-trust. With more than 30 years in television, media, and workforce development, she is known for opening doors and developing talent. At Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, she created the Mirkopoulos Inclusion Program, connecting young adults from underserved communities with paid training opportunities on network television productions.

Edgaras Valecka is a high-performing financial services leader and Branch Manager at PNC Bank in Franklin Park, Illinois. He is recognized for delivering strong business results while championing engagement, inclusion, and community impact. He is also a PNC-Certified Women’s Business & Minority in Business Advocate and President of the Chicagoland Women Connect EBRG.

Join us for the Love Purse “88 Miles to Impact: Back to the Future” Gala as we hit 88 miles per hour and launch into a future where every woman has what she needs to move forward with confidence.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you — stay tuned for more updates!

📅 Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
📍 Time: 6:00 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets! https://conta.cc/44euqow