Published 11:24 am Friday, October 17, 2025
By Robin Y. Richardson
Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity is bringing back its Purses for a Purpose fundraiser Oct. 28 to aid its mission of providing housing for residents in Harrison, Gregg and Upshur counties.
The bingo-style event gives attendees the opportunity to snag a chic purse while indulging in “good food, good fun and fellowship,” said Development Manager Garnett Johnson.
Tickets are available as well as sponsorships. The event is set 5 to 8 p.m. at Marshall Convention Center.
“Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to bring people together to build homes, community and hope,” Johnson said.
Habitat for Humanity teams with working families to build and buy an affordable home. The program guarantees that mortgage payments will be no more than 30% of the homeowner’s monthly income.
In addition to helping residents realize their dreams of becoming a homeowner, Habitat for Humanity also provides assistance for homeowners who are elderly and disabled.
“The funding (raised from Purses for a Purpose event) will go back into our community,” Garnett said. “We do a lot of critical home repair and home repair as needed.”
Harrison County accounts for about 30% of Habitat projects the agency has completed in its three-county service region over the past year.
This past year’s event drew a sold-out crowd with 153 tickets sold. Garnett an even larger crowd is expected this year.
“This year, we’re going to increase that amount. Last year, we only did half of the Caddo room (at Marshall Convention Center). This year we’re looking to expand and utilize that entire room,” she said.
Former Councilman and local Realtor LaDarius Carter will be bingo caller.
“It’s a bingo fundraiser, so the purses are prizes,” said Garnett, noting various designer bags from Michael Kors to Kate Spade, Coach and more will be in store.
“We’ll also have 10 wonderful raffle items that people will be able to buy tickets to put your ticket into a raffle,” she said. “It will be a nice time out.”
Tickets for the event include dinner, adult beverages and 10 games of bingo. Tickets are $50 for open seating or $400 for a reserved table of eight. The deadline is Sunday.
Call (903) 236-0900 or visit www.netxhabitat.org.