In a twist, group wants empty purses

Have you heard the adage, “dress for the job you want?” Dress for Success Atlanta helps people do just that. The international nonprofit organization serves, on a referral basis, disadvantaged women who are searching for work. The chapter in Atlanta is seeing greater need than ever.

“We served 1,580 women in 2008,” board member Kara L. Thompson said. “We expect that to increase this year.”

Dress for Success will host Hardhats and Handbags from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 21 at its new location, 67 Peachtree Park Drive. The event will feature sips and nibbles and a silent auction of new and gently used designer handbags and accessories. WSB-TV news anchor Jovita Moore emcees. There is no charge to attend, but patrons are encouraged to attain VIP status —- that’s Very Important Purse —- by bringing a handbag to donate. Thompson, who is chairing Hardhats and Handbags, said women come initially to be outfitted for job interviews and again once they’ve landed jobs so they’ll have work attire. The organization is seeing an increased need for purses. Call 404-870-1719, or e-mail Kara.Thompson@ogletreedeakins.com.

In other clothing news, the Circle for Children plans a designer sale from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Organizers are liquidating the inventory from an area boutique. The sale —- which will be held at 151 Atlanta Country Club Drive in east Cobb —- will benefit the Center for Children and Young Adults. For information, go to www.umbrellaweb.org.

Night of wine, roses

The 10th annual 2009 Wine and Roses Gala, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, starts at 7 p.m. April 25 at the Atlanta Athletic Club. The evening features a champagne reception, followed by a three-course meal paired with various fine wines, live and silent auctions and dancing to a live band. Former University of Tennessee head football coach Bill Battle, founder of Atlanta-based Collegiate Licensing Co., is honorary chairman. Robin Chanin Stevens, who chaired the inaugural event in 2000, is back to chair again this year. Organizers are hoping to top last year’s haul of $230,000. For information, see georgia.cff.org/wineandroses or call 404-293-9553.

Speaking of wine

The High Museum of Art is still tallying the numbers from this year’s Wine Auction. The event, spread over several days, included wine dinners, private cellar visits, the signature gala and auction. We checked out the Big Finish on March 28, the fun and festive wine tasting that wraps things up every year. The crowd enjoying sips and nibbles included Rahul Aggarwal, Holly Rath, Pritan Patel, Maxineau, Bob Singer, Ariel Tang, Joseph Zhou, Karen Fowler, Amanda Jackson, Stacy Smith, Kellie Johnson, David Froden and Michelle Clery.

Mixer of beer, water

Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will hold the “River Revival Watershed Sessions: An Atlanta Rockers Jam,” from 6:30 to 10 p.m. May 14. Organizers expect about 700 revelers to turn out to hear musicians including Gareth Asher, Kenny Creswell, Christopher Allen Yates, Jen Lowe and Brian Binsky. Host committee members are Steve and Jennifer Farace, David and Mary Jane Kirkpatrick, Paul and Angela Smith, Andrew Sugrue and Ralston Wells. Advance tickets are $40, $55 at the door. Last year’s event sold out, so hustle. See www.chattahoochee.org.

butterfly@ajc.com