power of the purse beatitudes campus

You might not see purses as symbols of power, but they’ve always carried weight.

In the ancient Egyptian days, and during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, purses held practical power. Noblemen and traders tied small pouches around their waists to keep valuables like money, while ladies of the Georgian and Regency eras carried reticules. These decorative fabric handbags carried essentials like sewing kits for quick mending and smelling salts for revival after a fainting spell from too-tight corsets.

Then there’s the cinematic power of purses. Indiana Jones used his iconic satchel to transport artifacts, keep his maps and journals safe, and stash his whip. Meanwhile, Mary Poppins’ bottomless magical carpetbag came in handy when children needed to be captivated or when a full-size coatrack, lamp or measuring tape was needed.

And at Beatitudes Campus, there’s the trailblazing and transformative Power of the Purse.

What Is Power of the Purse?

Power of the Purse is our annual fundraiser, celebrating generosity, community spirit and designer handbags. It brings the community together to raise funds, ensuring all our residents can thrive in a place that values dignity, wellness and connection.

Each year, Power of the Purse is a sellout event where generous supporters from across Phoenix come together for an unforgettable evening of delicious cocktails, divine small plates, and the thrill of bidding on new or gently loved designer handbags in our silent and live auctions.

And this year, as we celebrate our 12th annual purse fundraiser, November 10, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of our community’s groundbreaking. In 1964, Beatitudes Campus laid its foundation in Phoenix, and we’re excited to celebrate not only our history, but also our future.

The Many Benefits of the Power of the Purse

Beatitudes Campus is more than just a senior living community — it’s family. Our mission has always been to care for older adults in meaningful ways. With the funds raised from Power of the Purse, we can continue this legacy through life-changing initiatives that directly benefit our residents — from financial aid scholarships to innovative memory care programs.

All the proceeds from the purse fundraiser event go back into our community to help us:

  • Support the resident assistance fund. This provides housing and healthcare scholarships for residents who have outlived their personal assets through no fault of their own. It’s a lifeline for those who need it most.
  • Enhance resident-focused programs. From fitness classes to spiritual and recreational opportunities, our programs are designed to help seniors live life to the fullest.
  • Advance Comfort Matters® dementia care. Our award-winning dementia care program ensures residents living with dementia receive the best quality of care and life possible.

Celebrating 60 Years of Groundbreaking Impact

As we reflect on our 60-year history, we’re reminded of how far we’ve come. What started as a vision in 1964 has grown into a vibrant, caring community impacting the lives of seniors and their families across Phoenix. And as we gear up for our 60th anniversary in 2025 — marking when our first resident moved in — we know that this year’s Power of the Purse will be extra special.

The true power of the purse isn’t just in the handbags we auction, but in the meaningful difference we can make for older adults. Each dollar raised helps ensure Beatitudes Campus can continue to be a place where seniors live, learn and grow boldly and brightly for generations to come.

Your support helps us continue our groundbreaking work in providing the very best for our residents. Visit Power of the Purse to learn more and purchase your tickets for the November 10 event.