The Center for Women will hold its second "It's in the Bag" purse silent auction and reception April 3 at the Fine Art Collector Gallery. What started as a little idea to raise some money for the center has blossomed into one of the most anticipated events of the season.

More than 75 local women have created purses that will be auctioned that evening. Local artists, local celebrities and a wide variety of talented women have donated their time and talents to the event, resulting in a gallery full of one-of-a-kind handbags.

Last year's auction drew a crowd of more than 300 people and raised $11,000 for the Center for Women. This year hopes are high for the event, which draws attendees from all over Charleston and its environs. Bag styles range from whimsical to elegant evening and everything in between.

Center for Women Director Jennet Robinson Alterman thinks the second purse auction will be even bigger and better than the last one.

"This event provides women in the community an opportunity to support a great cause and at the same time have a wonderful evening of great food, serious purse-buying and fabulous people," she says. "All of the funds raised will support the center's core services, which include counseling, support groups and educational and informational programs."

This year the auction has a main sponsor in First Citizens Bank of S.C., and more than a dozen Charleston restaurants are providing hors d'oeuvres for the reception. "The Fine Art Collector Gallery will be the place to see and be seen in Charleston on April 3," Alterman says.

The Center for Women is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making personal and professional success an everyday occurrence in the lives of women in the Lowcountry. Some of the center's services include support groups, peer counseling, business seminars, Brown Bag lunches and special events. To find out more about the Center for Women and its services, call 763-7333.

"It's in the Bag" will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. The Fine Art Collector Gallery is located in Fountain Walk at the IMAX complex. A $20 donation will be taken at the door. To see a sneak preview of handbags up for auction, go to www.C4Women.org.

Mindy Spar is The Post and Courier Fashion Editor. Contact her at mindys@postandcourier.com.