The Great Handbag Affair

Palm Beach’s most glamorous act of generosity 

Palm Beach has long understood that elegance and empathy are not opposing ideas. Few traditions reflect that balance as gracefully as the Old Bags Luncheon, a winter ritual that transforms designer handbags into meaningful support for local families and reminds us that generosity, when done with intention, can be both joyful and impactful. 

Founded in 1999 by a small group of Palm Beach women supporting the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, the Old Bags Luncheon began as a clever idea rooted in community spirit. Guests were invited to donate a cherished designer handbag, gather for lunch, and raise funds for families in need. In just six weeks, the inaugural luncheon came together, welcoming eighty guests and raising $20,000. The name itself was intentionally tongue-in-cheek, reflecting a confident Palm Beach wit that was playful, self-aware, and impossible to forget. 

Lora Drasner

Over the years, the luncheon has grown into one of Palm Beach’s most anticipated philanthropic events. Each February, the grand ballroom of The Breakers Palm Beach fills with an extraordinary array of handbags — Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and coveted vintage finds — sparking spirited bidding and lively conversation. By the time the auction begins, the room hums with raised paddles, shared glances, and the familiar thrill of competition, all in service of something far more lasting than the bag itself. 

Beneath the glamour lies a serious mission. Proceeds from the luncheon directly support the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, funding critical programs including mental health care, early childhood education, and homelessness prevention. Each handbag sold represents tangible support for individuals and families working toward stability and healing within the local community. 

What sets the Old Bags Luncheon apart is its distinctly Palm Beach sensibility. It is not simply a fundraiser, but a reflection of a community that views philanthropy as a form of fluency — an understanding that beauty, privilege, and responsibility are inherently linked. Guests may arrive for the handbags, but they stay for the shared purpose and the quiet satisfaction of knowing their participation fuels real change close to home. 

Marzia Precoda

The 27th Annual Old Bags Luncheon returns to The Breakers Palm Beach on February 18, 2026, under the leadership of Event Chairs Lora Drasner and Marzia Precoda. Drasner is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who serves as CEO of Cosmeceutical Technologies LLC, Managing Director of 3 Seasons Capital, and President of the Drasner Family Foundation, which has supported arts, culture, animal welfare, healthcare, and underserved communities for more than two decades. Precoda, a former Italian family law attorney now focused on the American criminal justice system, lives between Florida and Geneva and is deeply engaged in advocacy for underserved children, scholarship initiatives, and healthcare causes. Together, they bring both vision and dedication to this year’s luncheon. 

As the final bids are placed and the applause fills the room, the enduring appeal of the Old Bags Luncheon becomes clear. In Palm Beach, style has always been more than surface-level, and generosity remains the most enduring accessory of all.