$12,000 Raised at Ilya Peckerman Fund Silent Auction for Vasculitis Foundation: PAMELA PEKERMAN

Dear Bagistas,

Last night, the first annual Ilya Peckerman Fund Silent Auction raised over $12,000, with all proceeds going to research programs benefiting the Vasculitis Foundation and its efforts to find a cure for vasculitis, a group of rare, autoimmune diseases. I’m BEYOND humbled by the generosity of my friends, colleagues and complete strangers, some of whom – thank goodness! – have not been touched by these illnesses in a personal way.

Hosted at one of New York City’s chicest lounges, the Gates located at 290 8th Avenue, the event was held in honor of my late father Ilya Peckerman who passed away form Wegener’s Granulomatosis on December 18, 2009 at age 56.

Guests had the chance to bid on fabulous merchandise and experiences. The hot ticket items were:

1) meet Rebecca Minkoff at her NYC showroom, preview her fall 2010 collection and selection one of her highly, sought-after spring 2010 bags ($950)

2) a 2-nights stay at Miami’s Shore Club in a superior king room ($1700)

3) Stuart Weitzman python bag ($1400)

4) Swarovski Cuff ($900)

A thank you to item donors from: Saks Fifth Avenue, HP, Givenchy Beauty, COACH, Derek “Fabulous” Warburton, Sabina Les, NFL, OmniPeace, YogaSpot NY, Clara Kasavina, Ted Rossi, Freebird, Jane Marvel, Samantha Thavasa, Juliet Supperclub, TheBeautyBean.com, LaLucca, Floral Icon Events, and Maria Bonita Spa & Salon. Also Thank you to Mike from GIVEN Tequila Liquor – this is not your grandpa’s tequila, it’s beyond yummy and you’ll have the chance to sip it when it officially launches this summer. Also thank you to my friend and cupcake diva (or should I say devil, since I can’t help eating so many) Tawny Ong.

The Ilya Peckerman Fund Silent Auction is just the first initiative my family is undertaking to raise money and awareness. There are plans to create a “shop for vasculitis” campaign with designers creating red (the signature color of the Vasculitis Foundation) merchandise and donating a percentage of proceeds to the fund. I hope we can count on all of your support. There will be some amazing merchandise – handbags for sure! – that you can proudly wear and know that money was also going to a good cause.

In the spirit of my dad, please ask yourself today and everyday “How can I Carpe Diem today?” Live, laugh and love to the fullest!!

Have a bag-a-licious day!

Pamela Pekerman