For those looking for a new handbag, a girls’ day out or an excuse to treat themselves to a little luxury, then the Bag Lady Luncheon, benefiting GirlsInc. of Albany, Ga., is where they should be on May 9.

The Bag Lady Luncheon is a fun and fresh event that includes lunch; a silent auction of gently used high-end and designer handbags; and a gift of luxury skincare, makeup and candles from the Mint Julep Day Spa in Albany.

“What sets Girls Inc. apart from other organizations is its research-based programming designed specifically for the unique needs of girls. We know that our programs work. We have proven for many decades that our girls go on to brighter futures,” said Sherrell Alexander, executive director of Girls Inc. of Albany, GA. “Fun events such as the Bag Lady Luncheon allow us to raise the funds that are critically needed for us to continue to deliver after-school and summer programming to girls in Albany and Southwest Georgia.”

The Bag Lady Luncheon is from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Creekside Education Center at Chehaw Park. Tickets are $25 per person, and may be purchased at Place on the Pointe or Girls Inc.’s Park Place campus, at 701 Park Place in Albany. Tickets may also be purchased Girls Inc. of Albany board members.

The event is also a great opportunity for ladies to clean out theirclosets and donate their gently used high-end and designer handbags to a worthwhile cause. Bags may be dropped off at Place on the Pointe in Albany or at GirlsInc.’s Park Place campus. Donations are tax deductible.

Girls Inc. of Albany, GA, was established nearly 40 years ago and is an affiliate of the country’s oldest girls-centric organization, which inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Girls Inc. of Albany was established meet the needs of the community through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, social and economic barriers.

The Albany affiliate delivers all eight of the Girls Inc. life-changing programs: Girls Inc. Economic Literacy®, Girls Inc. Friendly PEERsuasion®, Girls Inc. Leadership and Community Action^SM, Girls Inc. Operation SMART® (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), Girls Inc.  Media Literacy®, Girls Inc. Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy®, Girls Inc. Project BOLD®, and Girls Inc. Sporting Chance®.

Girls Inc. of Albany has a 100 percent high school graduation rate,with many girl members going on to post-secondary educational institutions. The organization is a leader in teen pregnancy prevention as well as underage drinking and drug abuse prevention. Most recently, Girls Inc. of Albany was honored as a WhiteHouse Champion of Change for its work in substance abuse prevention. Girls Inc. of Albany, GA is the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Nonprofit of the Year.