Pace Center for Girls, Lee launches Love That Dress! virtual auction, Women of Influence collection Aug. 13-23

Pace Center for Girls, Lee will host its Love That Dress! virtual auction Aug. 13-23, offering an expansive selection of high-end packages, collections and experiences up for bid to support Pace, Lee programs.
Each year, generous donors provide dozens of silent auction packages to feature at Pace, Lee’s Love That Dress! shopping extravaganza. Starting on Friday, Aug. 13, Pace is opening an early online preview of the array of exclusive auction items up for bid, including rare pieces from the private collections of visionary philanthropists, political figures and renowned businesswomen.
The Women of Influence collection will debut an assemblage of memorabilia, clothing and collectibles donated by American fashion designers and nationally politically affiliated women, including Tory Burch, fashion designer; Theresa Cooney, attorney, philanthropist and daughter of the late Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield; Leah Esper, businesswoman and philanthropist; Ann Hand, jewelry designer; Susan Pompeo, businesswoman and philanthropist; Dina Powell, financial executive, philanthropist and political advisor; and Kellie Urban, businesswoman and philanthropist.
“With dozens of packages up for bid, the Love That Dress! virtual auction offers access to fun experiences and collectible items that ultimately make a difference for girls in our community through support of Pace, Lee programs,” said Jennifer Cellitti, executive director of Pace Center for Girls, Lee. “From beauty packages and sports fan experiences to this year’s special Women of Influence collection, there is something for everyone.”
Some of the hottest items from the 50-piece Women of Influence collection are “Presidential M&Ms” that are given to guests of the president of the United States onboard Air Force One, a limited-edition tie pin and cufflinks set that were custom-made for the opening of the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, and a gold Karen Millen dress worn by Kellie Urban in her meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Other packages up for bid in the silent auction include:
• A $500 gift certificate from California Closets to refresh your closet with the latest organizational accessories.
• A $500 gift certificate to Spada, complete with a plush robe and a bottle of champagne.
• Golf for two at the Cape Royal Golf Club and two months of burgers from Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery (one burger per week).
• A two-night weekend stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa complete with an oversized Vera Bradley tote and matching travel bag.
• An assortment of soaps and candles from While.Away with a soap making class for six.
Bidding for the virtual auction opens at 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 13 and closes Monday, Aug. 23. The community can pre-register for bidding and receive sneak previews at LTD13.GiveSmart.com for exclusive updates when new items are available.
The silent auction will also be on display at the Love That Dress! event held Aug. 19-21 at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Estero. General admission tickets for Aug. 20-21 are still available at $30 per person.
Proceeds from the auction and event will support Pace Center for Girls, Lee in providing strength-based, gender-specific academic programs and counseling services that guide Pace girls in finding their voice and achieving their potential.
For more information about the virtual auction, visit LTD13.GiveSmart.com or call 239-425-2366. To register for Love That Dress!, visit LoveThatDressLeeCounty.com.
About Pace Center for Girls, Lee

Pace Center for Girls, Lee, envisions a world where all girls and young women have power, in a just and equitable society. Founded in 1985, Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.