About Abigail Riggs
Gail Riggs, PhD, MSW, is CEO and head of design for the Abigail Riggs Collection. The company, headquartered in Rochester, New York creates exclusive handbags that honor iconic women in our history. The company has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities including the Susan B. Anthony House Museum. Retailers now carry Abigail Riggs Collection handbags nationally. After majoring in Psychology and Art at Judson College, Riggs went to Tulane University for her masters and doctorate degrees in Social Work. She relocated to Rochester in 1993 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Riggs founded the Abigail Riggs Collection in 2001, the same year her twins John & Abigail were born. She was presented the, “Hope for a Cure,” award by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation this past November for her work designing a Hipster bag for individuals living with T1D to carry their lifesaving medical supplies.
This past spring Riggs was a “W” award honoree for the Rochester Women’s Network. She was recognized by Rochester General Health System and given the Agnes Bartlett Curtis Philanthropy Award in 2011 and the John Whitbeck M.D. Clinical Philanthropy Award in 2003.
About Mrs. Ballington Booth
Maud Ballington Booth was the embodiment of compassionate strength and courage. Together with her husband, she began Volunteers of America in 1896 and worked tirelessly to “reach and uplift all people.” Today, Volunteers of America is a premier non-profit human service organization that serves 6,000 men, women and children annually in Upstate New York.
The Purse with a Purpose line in the Abigail Riggs Collection is designed in honor of inspiring and empowering women pioneers. The newest release is this Mrs. Ballington Booth purse to honor Maud’s legacy and her dedication to inspiring change for those in need.
Proceeds from the Mrs. Ballington Booth purse will support Volunteers of America Upstate New York’s efforts to empower people in our community to rise out of poverty and reach their full potential.
Press
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Rochester Magazine A Purse with a Purpose
"The Style and Substance of Gail Riggs"
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Women You Should Know
www.womenyoushouldknow.net
"Gail Riggs Gives Purpose to Purses"
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Gloria Steinem is given a Ms. Anthony!
Gloria Steinem is given a Ms. Anthony in appreciation for her Planned Parenthood speech in Rochester, NY.
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Abby and Anthony
Women’s soccer star Abby Wambachwas awarded a Susan B Anthony Bag by the Susan B Anthony House.
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Alec Baldwin Buys Ms. Anthony Bag
Alec Baldwin was one of two people with winning bids of $5,000 for Ms. Anthony to benefit Hillside Family of Agencies.
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The New York Times Finds Ms. Anthony
Front Row Writer, Eric Wilson writes : "On her arm, a symbol of freedom."
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