Handbag Happy Hour is returning to Fort Myers Wednesday, March 25, with celebrity handbags and lots more to be auctioned to benefit Valerie’s House and The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation at The Shell Factory.

“We are so excited to bring this fabulous event back after a 13-year hiatus,” said Pam Cronin, event chair and owner of The Shell Factory and Nature Park. “We have several celebrity handbags already and we hope to have 100 or more new or previously loved handbags from celebrities and local supporters.”

Cronin and her committee are currently soliciting new and gently loved handbags, pet items and men’s accessories for the event at The Standard Restaurant in downtown Fort Myers. Donated items can be delivered to The Standard Restaurant at 1520 Broadway, next door at the Seed & Bean Market and at The Shell Factory on U.S. 41 in North Fort Myers. Pick up of items also can be arranged by calling 239-410-1929.

“Havana Nights” is the theme for this year’s event with Flamenco dancers, bongo drummers and Cuban cigars setting the mood for the evening. Mojitos and Cuban appetizers are included in the ticket price of $50 per person or $800 for a reserved table of eight. Sponsorships also are available at $1,000 to $3,000.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.shellfactory.com

Downtown Diva Stephanie Davis and Wine Aficionado Gina Birch will share emcee duties for the live auction of a few select celebrity handbags. The majority of items will be offered in a silent auction.

Event sponsors include The Standard Restaurant, The Shell Factory and Nature Park, Florida Weekly and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.

All proceeds will benefit Valerie’s House, which helps grieving children heal after the loss of a parent or loved one, and The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, which provides transportation funding for Lee County school children to visit the park. Both organizations are not-for-profit and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.