Friends and Fun Meet for a Good Cause at Annual 'Girls Night Out'

Southington resident Norine Derocco browsed through linens, enjoyed a glass of wine and shared smiles and laughs with old friends Wednesday as she enjoyed the company of several hundred women during the Eighth Annual ‘Girls Night Out.’

It was the first time Derocco had the opportunity to attend the event and with 40 vendors, displays and a wide variety of opportunities, she said she would be sure to return for the event next year.

“It’s been really fun, just getting out and meeting people or catching up with old friends," she said.

Over 250 people turned out Wednesday night for the eighth annual event, hosted by the Southington Chamber Women at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville, as the event drew one of its largest crowds to date said Julie Chubet, co-chair of the event.

The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the Southington Chamber Women, a group of women business owners with the Southington Chamber of Commerce, and proceeds go toward providing a scholarship for a Southington High School graduating female senior and to sponsor a family during the holidays, she said.

“It’s a real fun event for everyone involved and it gives us a chance to really showcase and spotlight some businesses in the community at the same time,” Chubet said.

Wednesday’s event, which included martinis and hors d'oeuvres, included a total of 40 vendors selling everything from jewelry and clothing to linens, lace and more. New to the event in 2013 was King 33, a business that offers self defense courses for women, and a special demonstration from Chico’s Clothing on how to accessorize.

Tracy McCluskey, owner of ‘Sparkle’ jewelry store and boutique in Canton, said it was her fifth year at the event and each year seems to just get bigger and better.

“When you look around, everyone here is having fun and it’s just a great way for businesses to get their name out there and say ‘thank you’ to our customers,” McCluskey said. “These women, so many of them, support us during the year and we love coming out and being part of this event.”