Coastal Horizons to host 15th annual Power of the Purse fundraiser
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Coastal Horizons will host the 15th Annual Power of the Purse fundraiser on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Country Club of Landfall.
The event features more than handbags, with auction items and experiences for both men and women while raising money for Wilmington Health Access for Teens, known as WHAT. The program helps expand access to primary care and mental health services for young people in the community.
WHAT serves youth ages 6 to 24 through school-based health centers located on the campuses of New Hanover County’s four traditional public high schools — Ashley, Hoggard, Laney and New Hanover — along with several additional educational sites. The program also operates a community clinic at 1414 Medical Center Drive in Wilmington.
School-based health centers are designed to connect health care and academic success. First established in the 1970s, the model has grown to more than 1,900 centers nationwide, including more than 60 in North Carolina.
These centers help remove common barriers to care such as transportation, scheduling and cost by offering convenient, affordable and confidential services directly on campus. Through WHAT, students can access comprehensive primary care, psychiatric services and professional mental health therapy. Services are available to all youth, including those covered by Medicaid and those without insurance.
“Power of the Purse is a meaningful way our community comes together to ensure young people have access to the care they need to succeed in school and in life,” said Margaret Weller-Stargell, president and CEO of Coastal Horizons. “When health care is accessible and convenient, outcomes improve for students, families and our entire community.”
The evening will feature silent and live auctions offering a variety of items, including designer handbags, luxury items, unique experiences and curated packages for both men and women.
Guests can also purchase raffle tickets for a new Louis Vuitton purse valued at $2,450. Raffle tickets cost $25 each or five for $100, and the winner does not need to be present to claim the prize.
Online bidding, raffle ticket purchases and donations are available online.
In-person tickets cost $65 per guest.
