Country music stars Carrie Underwood and Billy Dean are among the celebrities who are donating items for the return of Handbag Happy Hour Thursday, Nov. 18, at The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers. The fun begins at 5:18 p.m.at the Players Circle Lobby and Theatre inside The Shell Factory on North Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers. Underwood personally autographed two handbags for the event while Dean has donated an autographed bottle of Schramsberg Sparkling Wine and Amici Wine along with a collection of his famous songs. Also participating is rocker-artist-designer Steve Luongo who has donated one of his high-end designer shirts for the men’s accessories portion of the event. Local NBC-2 Anchor Kellie Burns has donated one of her gently-loved handbags and Artist Rachel Pierce has created her artwork on a Tory Burch handbag as well. They are among more than 100 handbags and men’s accessories to be offered for silent and live auction to benefit Valerie’s House and The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation at The Shell Factory. “We are so happy with the community’s response to the return of this fabulous event after a 15-year hiatus.  We have gently-loved designer handbags by Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and others,” said Pam Cronin, event chair and owner of The Shell Factory and Nature Park.  “We are still collecting handbags and men’s accessories from celebrities and loyal supporters.” Cronin emphasized that Handbag Happy Hour is a fund-raising event for both men and women. As a special added attraction for men, a Cigar & Whiskey Bar will be available, sponsored by Quenzel Marketing Agency.   “Slipping into the Season” is the theme for this year’s event, which will create the holiday spirit and set the mood for the evening.  Adult and holiday beverages and appetizers are included in the ticket price of $50 per person. Tickets may be purchased online at www.shellfactory.com or 239.995.2141 extension 110. Downtown Diva Stephanie Davis and Wine Aficionado Gina Birch will be co-emcees for the live auction of a few select celebrity handbags.  The majority of items will be offered in a silent auction. Event sponsors are The Shell Factory and Nature Park, Florida Weekly and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C. All proceeds will benefit Valerie’s House, which helps grieving children heal after the loss of a parent or loved one, and The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, which provides transportation funding for Lee County school children to visit the park.  Both organizations are not-for-profit and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.