The theme of the Ninth Annual Purse & Passion St. Clair County Luncheon was “A New Chapter” and the 425 guests gave generously to help domestic violence victims turn the page and begin new lives free from abuse.
 
The group raised $105,420 (and counting) at the Aug. 24 event, which was chaired by Blair and Cindy Goodgame and held at The Beacon at Pell City First United Methodist Church. All of the funds will be used to support Our Place, the YWCA Central Alabama’s emergency shelter in Pell City, and to provide supportive services to victims in St. Clair and Blount counties. Since Our Place opened in 2009, more than 7,000 victims have received legal assistance, court advocacy, shelter and support.