Community Corner
Chamber Women Gearing up for 'Fun' Fundraiser
"Girls' Night Out Event" turns classic fun into a community fundraiser.
The saying goes "girls just want to have fun" but later this month, they'll be having fun with a purpose.
The Sixth Annual Chamber Women's Girls Night Out, to be held at the Aqua Turf May 17, will bring community women together to eat, shop, mingle and raise scholarship money for Southington High School seniors.
Proceeds will benefit the Chamber Women's Scholarship fund, which provides scholarship dollars to applicants involved with the business-oriented clubs at Southington High School including DECA and the Family Career and Community Leaders of America club.
The event, running from 5 to 8:30 p.m., will feature hors d'oervres, wine and beverages from 6 to 8 p.m., live music and 32 vendors including hand bag and jewelry retailers, hand and chair massages and a 'perfect martini' demonstration.
Event Co-Chairs Rachel Potter and Julie Chubit say the event is special because the purpose is to raise money while providing community women with an enjoyable, relaxing night out.
"It's always just a lot of fun," Potter said. "It's a great way to raise money for a good cause and enjoy a great night out."
Potter said the event has grown tremendously over the years, with the group having to turn away vendors this year due to a lack of space. Some vendors are nationally known entities, like the Pampered Chef and Dove chocolate, but the majority are local chamber members such as Couture Salon in Plantsville.
Another perk to the event is an abundance of great raffle prizes, with every vendor and additional businesses donating items and services to be raffled off to the lucky winners.
About 250 women attended this last year's event, with more expected this year.
"It's been a great way for women to get out, do some shopping, enjoy themselves and raise money for our cause," Chubit said. "There's really been a mix of ages participating so far, with some mothers and daughters coming from age 21 and up. It's a really great time."
Established in 2004, the Chamber Women group consists of roughly 25 members. They typically meets once a month, hold luncheons, organize networking events, community activities like the Adopt-A-Family Christmas program and host events like the best pizza fest and wing competition.
Those looking for more information about the Chamber Women or to purchase tickets can contact the Southington Chamber of Commerce office at (860) 628-8036. Tickets are $25 and will be available at the door, and sponsorships are still available.
