Always looking for a way to raise more money for St. Mary’s Hospital, Fran Miller of the Hopkins Landing Branch of the hospital/health care auxiliary came up with a great idea that had a three-fold benefit.
Billed as a Spring Fashion Fling, the event on April 23 saw four Gibsons Landing businesses open their doors for exclusive shopping and pampering for women lucky enough to score a ticket. The merchants: Swish, The Landing Clothing Company, Zocalo and Whimsy were on board right away.
Miller said she was thrilled with the results of the inaugural event.
“My inbox is overflowing today [April 24] from people who said they had a good time. The stores enjoyed it, too,” Miller said. “We cleared $1,700 for St. Mary’s Hospital/Health Care Auxiliary, in the best way possible — eating, sipping and shopping.”
She said Christine Gaskins and Maureen Bodie won the $100 prizes provided by the Hopkins Auxiliary.
Every store went out of its way to create a magical experience for women raising money for a needed cause.
Swish owner Lynn Ujvary did her usual magic with scarf tying and wardrobe advising, while treating the fashionistas to tasty treats. The artistically laid out store left more than one woman entranced. Rumour has it she also sent some very lucky women home with a special beverage.
Trish Schultz, owner of The Landing Clothing Company, had a ball playing dress up with her live mannequin, Bev Grisewood, and her plastic “sister”. The bemused spectators got to see how a small outlay could keep them well clothed for the entire summer and fall. The yummy chocolates the store folks gave out were much appreciated, too.
Joann Hetherington, the charming, humourous owner of Zocalo, along with her elegant sister Patricia, kept the patrons engaged with their second-to-none personal service. More than a few women were enticed by the stunning display. And the little touch of bubbly didn’t hurt either.
Karen Lunty and her staff at Whimsy demonstrated that the store is well named. The new digs suit the eclectic merchandise well. From beautiful, affordable jewelry to suit all tastes and budgets to baby clothes, the store has every age covered. Check out the man cave rules for a chuckle. The store’s goodie bag prizes were very generous and much appreciated by the fortunate recipients.
