$101,296 raised with designer bags: United Way’s bingo fundraiser makes big impact

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Who doesn’t love a chic, fashionable bingo night with a designer bag raffle? Oh, and not to mention, an all-male celebrity server staff 😏. That’s what you missed at Designer Bag Bingo on June 16, 2026, aka one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for local nonprofit United Way of Madison County.

Keep reading to find out how designer bags and a village of volunteers raised an impressive $101,296.26 for financial and educational initiatives in Madison County. 👛👇

3rd annual Designer Bag Bingo brings in $101,296.26

Attendees took home Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton + more designer bags at United Way’s fundraising event on June 16, 2026.

Fun, fashion and flair filled The Electric Belle at Stovehouse on Tuesday, June 16, when over 600 women turned out for the most unique (sold-out!) fundraiser I’ve ever seen.

Guests munched dinner by caterer Hops N Guac, owned and operated by longtime United Way volunteer, Irving Hernandez. All the while, celebrity male servers danced around the room delivering drinks and racking up additional donations on their armbands.

This “glamorous twist on bingo” sent attendees home with 75 bags and prizes during 15 rounds of bingo, with 150 more bags purchased in a silent auction and market—all for a cause.

💸 This year, an astounding $101,296.26 total was raised by:

• Sold-out event ticket sales
• Silent auction + market of designer bags
• Tableside tips from attendees
• Personal fundraising campaigns by board members + servers
• Community donations

Fun fact: The Top Server was Davis Whitten who raised $10,278.25 🤯

“We thank everyone who participated for believing in our mission and for helping us impact the lives of thousands of women and children throughout Madison County.”

Daniel Kasambira, President & CEO, United Way of Madison County

Since its first year in 2024, over $170K has been raised by Designer Bag Bingo. 2026’s event raised the biggest sum yet!

United Way exceeded its $100,000 net fundraising goal for 2026—click here to make additional donations to join this milestone!

Bingo proceeds benefit Quality of Life Program

Celebrity male servers took donations all night and the ladies shouted “Bingo!” (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

While attendees take home a new accessory and fun memories, the Quality of Life Program receives vital funding to improve education, health and financial stability for women and young children in the Huntsville and Madison County communities.

About Quality of Life:

• ⭐️ What: Strategic initiative by United Way of Madison County
• ⭐️ Goal: Strengthen families + communities by supporting women + children through targeted programs + partnerships
• ⭐️ Impact reach: 65,000 women + children since 2022 (nearly 8,400 assisted with trauma + recovery programs)

How is it all made possible? 👉 United Way of Madison County’s mission is mobilizing the caring power of our community to create lasting change.

Why these locals love supporting + how you can give back, too

This dazzling event is made possible by a team of United Way volunteers, board members and staff who believe in its mission, many of whom were once on the receiving end.

“There was a time when I needed support, and organizations like those that United Way supports came through for me. So I’m so excited to be part of something that gives back and allows me to give back, as well.”

“I love the energy that people come to the event with, knowing that while yes, it’s about designer bags, it’s so much bigger than that. And people in the room know that. They’re getting excited about winning a bag and saying ‘bingo,’ but they also know that what they’ve done is help local families.”

Olivia Pennington, Co-Chair of Designer Bag Bingo

“I grew up here, so giving back to this community means a lot to me. I love that United Way’s work has such a ripple effect.”

“They touch the lives of people from all walks of life and truly meet people where they are. That’s why supporting Designer Bag Bingo feels like such an easy yes for me.”

Whitney Swinney, 2027 Designer Bag Bingo Co-Chair + Google Fiber Market Lead, Huntsville + Nashville

Discover more ways to get involved with United Way of Madison County, such as volunteering or consulting.

United Way of Madison County’s mission to serve Huntsville

United Way researches our community’s top needs every few years, and strategically invests in programs that support those needs.

Most recently, those needs were found to be financial stability, health and education, making United Way’s Quality of Life program one of many ways to fill in the gaps.

Make a donation today to directly invest in the community’s greatest needs with United Way’s high-impact programs.

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