Tickets for the Leader’s first-ever Celebrating Women event have sold out, but those who were lucky enough to snag a ticket are in for quite an evening. The theme is “Hippie Chicks,” and attendees are encouraged to dress and accessorize as if headed for Woodstock.
The event, sponsored by Leader Publications, is slated for 6-10 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the Oak Valley Golf Course and Resort, 1230 Abbey Lane, in Pevely.
The event will feature a catered dinner, special desserts and an open bar. Attendees will have the chance to win prizes as well as take part in a 50/50 raffle.
“We just want women to come out and have a good time,” said Katelyn Mary Skaggs, digital marketing manager for the Leader. “That day happens to also be International Women’s Day, and what better day to enjoy each other’s company, make new friends and just enjoy a girls’ night out?”
Dinner will be served at about 7 p.m. Andre’s Banquet Center will cater the buffet dinner, and Nothing Bundt Cakes will provide delicately delicious mini-cakes for dessert.
The open bar will be stocked with beverages provided by the Springfield-based Mother’s Brewing Co.
Following dinner, at about 8 p.m., games and entertainment will start.
The title sponsor for the event is the Twin City Area Optimist Club, which will hold a “Dead or Alive” game, asking attendees to guess if famous women are dead or alive. The winner of the game will receive a prize.
“The Optimists have a nice basket with items from Hoods,” Skaggs said. “There are candles, a garden flag, a wine sign and some glasses.”
Staci Templeton of Edward Jones will host a “What’s in Your Bag?” game, with the winner receiving a spa-themed relaxation basket.
Mullberry Hill will host women-themed trivia, giving away some of its salt scrubs as prizes.
Other vendors for the event include Reflections Med Spa and De Soto Veterinary Hospital.
The event also will offer attendees the chance to help I Support the Girls, an international charitable group that collects new and gently used bras, new underwear and feminine hygiene products for distribution to local girls and women who are unhoused or in need.
A drop box or bin will be available at the event. Anyone donating to I Support the Girls may be registered to win other prizes, including a yearlong membership to the St. Louis Art Museum.
“We’re hoping to get them a lot of donations,” Skaggs said. “We think this is a great organization and a wonderful mission.”
Bras may be new or gently used; underwear must be new in the package. Feminine hygiene products may be donated in an open box, but individual items (such as tampons) must be sealed.
During the evening, tickets may be purchased for a 50/50 raffle, the proceeds of which will be split with I Support the Girls. The drawing will be held at 9:45 p.m. with the event ending at 10.
Deanna Heselbarth, who started the St. Louis area chapter of I Support the Girls, will speak at the event.
Organizers hope this inaugural Celebrating Women event will be the start of something bigger.
“We are really excited to grow this event,” Leader publisher Peggy Scott said. “Beginning next year, we want to honor some of the women in personal and professional leadership positions in our community. We hope to institute a ‘Woman of Impact’ award that will recognize the hard work and dedication of our local women leaders.”
Anyone wishing to be part of the planning for next year’s event is encouraged to call Scott at 636-931-7560 or email her at peggyscott@leaderpublications.biz.
For more information about I Support the Girls, the Optimist Club or other local women’s organizations, follow the Leader website at myleaderpaper.com.