2025 Purse Auction Sets New Record

It's in the Bag

The 19th annual “It’s in the Bag” purse auction set a new fundraising record for the Hillsboro Health Foundation.

Held Thursday evening, Nov. 13, at The Event Center of Montgomery County in Taylor Springs, the event brought in over $26,000 that will benefit pelvic floor therapy at Hillsboro Health’s new therapy building.

Volunteer Barb Hewitt welcomed about 200 local women to the always-popular event and introduced Hillsboro Health CEO Mike Alexander.

Alexander talked about some of the new and exciting things going on at the hospital, like the new therapy building, which will be in use starting in December. He also said the hospital will break ground in January on the new surgery suites, a $28 to $30 million investment in the hospital.

He introduced Megan Reams, Phoebe Wilson and Melissa VanGiesen of the therapy department, who talked about the importance of pelvic floor therapy for women.

Reams said it’s a booming program at the hospital, and they already have a wait list to get in. She added that funding will help to purchase a biofeedback system, which will hook a patient’s muscles up to a machine for further treatment.

The annual event included both live and silent auctions, grab bags, a mystery purse raffle and a “buy it now” section, along with wine, cheese and other refreshments.

Kurt Aumann was the auctioneer for the live auction, with assistance from sisters Stephanie Stoyanot and Stacy Mayfield. He told the crowd he wore his best pair of “purse pants,” otherwise known as bib overalls, and pulled useful items from the pockets all evening.

Hewitt thanked the evening’s sponsors and said that due to their generosity, every penny raised at the purse auction will benefit the therapy department.

This year’s sponsors include Precise Specialties, Inc., Aumann Auctions, First Community Bank of Hillsboro, Springfield Clinic Hillsboro Physicians, Sullivan Drugs, Constitution Bank, Patton and Co., Maverick Steaks and Spirits, Hillsboro Health Dietary, Geneva Blankenship, The Dressing Room, John and Linda Weiss, Gianni’s, First National Bank of Nokomis, First National Bank of Raymond, The Korner Store, Diamonds and Dogs, Diane Clark, Patty Clarke, MyFormals of Litchfield and Judy James.

Hewitt said next year will mark the event’s 20th anniversary and they are already looking at ways to celebrate that milestone.

The Journal-News/Mary Herschelman (published November 17, 2025)