Ladies, check your closets. Have something black? Or have something white? That’s all you’ll need for the 11th annual Girls Night Out!
On Thursday, August 13, from 6-11pm, the beautiful grounds of Sunrise Mansion (graciously offered once again by the law firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell) will be dressed in black and white elegance for the valley’s largest girls-only benefit bash of the summer! Proceeds benefit domestic violence victims through the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program. Tickets are $100 (50% tax deductible) and can be purchased online at www.ywcacharleston.org or by calling (304) 340-3573.
This year’s theme, “Girls in Pearls: The Black & White Bash,” was invented when members of the High Hopes fundraising committee realized that in a less than favorable economy, many women wished to avoid the expense that comes with many theme parties: buying a new outfit.
“We decided to stick with a theme that was simple, timeless, elegant and classic,” stated High Hopes committee co-chair Karen Farmer. “What better image comes to mind than Audrey Hepburn wearing her gorgeous black dress and pearl ensemble in Breakfast at Tiffanys?”
Thus, a theme was born. All women age 21 and over are invited to join in the occasion!
Upon arriving in style in luxury vehicles provided by Moses Automotive Network and Rockstar Limousine, guests will be greeted by the paparrazzi’s flashing bulbs as they walk the red carpet onto the beautifully decorated grounds, courtesy of Valley Gardens. Ladies will enjoy star-quality hors d’oeuvres and fabulous cocktails served by Men in Bartending. New this year is the Zebra Lounge – an air conditioned VIP tent featuring champagne and a sushi bar courtesy of Ichiban. Guests with Zebra Lounge passes are encouraged to circulate them among all attendees so everyone can enjoy this exquisite treat! The evening also includes a DJ, a live band (lead by rocker-chick singer Gina Hall of last year’s “Convertible Blondes”) and a personal testimony from domestic violence survivor Star Hogan, who moved from victim to survivor with the help of the YWCA.
Gals, be sure to bring some extra cash/plastic for the unparalleled raffle and auction items the committee has in store this year! Take your chance at more than 25 fantastic raffle packages, including spa and beauty services, designer dresses, jewelry, private cooking lessons, WVU football and basketball tickets, hotel stays, and more. Then get your girlfriends together and bid on some outrageous auction packages, including a 5-night Royal Caribbean cruise, a “10 Years Younger” complete body makeover, a week at a Wild Dunes condo, Keeneland racetrack clubhouse tickets, an outdoor lighting and landscape package, and this year’s signature item: the one-of-a-kind “Pearls of Hope” necklace created by Scot Petit from hundreds of donated pearls.
Last year’s event drew more than 500 women and raised more than $100,000, and this year’s goal remains the same. Money raised each year through High Hopes has assisted YWCA Resolve in providing shelter and comprehensive services to domestic violence victims and their children in a tri-county area. Each year, YWCA Resolve reaches more than 3,000 individuals in Kanawha, Boone and Clay counties through shelter and emergency services, case management, court advocacy, counseling, support groups, safety planning, and programs for children, teen dating violence prevention and batterers intervention/prevention.
Special thanks to this year’s sponsors and contributors: John L. Dickinson Family Foundation in memory of John L. and Maude H. Dickinson; Debbie Ballard & Becky Jordon; BB&T; Farmer Cline & Campbell, PLLC; InsideOut Creative LLC; Kanawha Valley Advertising; Moses Automotive Network; National Travel, Petit Jewelry Designs; Proud Eagle Inc. of Charleston; Turner Medical Spa; Valley Gardens; West Virginia Radio Corporation; Woodrums Inc. Limited Partnership; Steve Antoline; Arnett & Foster, PLLC; BrickStreet Insurance Company; The Chapman Printing Company, Inc.; Charleston Area Medical Center; Chris Gosses Photography; City National Bank / City Insurance; Dinsmore & Shohl LLP; Freedom Industries; Huntington National Bank; Emily Hamrick Battle, M.D.; beBetter Networks; Bella Cupcakes; Bridge Road Bistro; Cecil I. Walker Machinery; Corey Brothers Wholesale Produce; Crews & Associates, Inc.; Ember; Ghareeb Dental Group; Ichiban, Pan Asian Cuisine; Medical Weight Loss & Skin Care Clinic; Men in Bartending; North Central Distributing; Pea Pod Printing; Potesta & Associates; Rockstar Limousine; Summit Conference Center & Catering; THF Realty; Vandalia Grille; The Vault; and Yellow Tail.
The YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program offers 24/7 shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic violence. YWCA Resolve reaches more than 3,000 individuals each year in Kanawha, Boone and Clay counties through shelter and emergency services, case management, court advocacy, counseling, support groups, safety planning, and programs for children, teen dating safety and batterers intervention/prevention.
# # #