Spending an evening with the ladies can take many forms — dinner, shows, jewelry parties. But there’s one unusual Girls Night Out that grows in popularity each year, as it continues to bring in funds for the Humane Society Calumet Area.
The most recent event, at Paws Resale Shoppe, found more than 60 women socializing, shopping, nibbling snacks, sipping wine and being pampered.
“My sisters and I come each year. It’s our quality time together,” said Julie Boyer of Lowell, as she talked to one of the sales representatives manning a home decorations table. “We’re all so busy with our lives, but we always take time to do fun things with each other.”
The evening’s agenda included more than a dozen vendors, neck massages and nail art by Kut Above Salon & Day Spa, tarot card readings and raffles.
“We’re all animal lovers, so of course we support the Humane Society,” said Marilu Yuhaz of Munster, as she shopped from Paws’ glassware shelf. “This (fundraiser) is one-of-a-kind, not the old same-old, same-old.”
The Humane Society Calumet Area offers Girls Night Out twice a year.
This is the first year volunteer Mary Ann Janiga worked the event.
“I’d heard nothing but good things about this social night,” she said, as she straightened the pet aisle section for the shoppers. “Now I see what everyone means — we have a great draw tonight, and everyone’s enjoying themselves. It’s a great atmosphere.”
Kelli Bonner of Munster was one of those friends who is considering shopping at Paws.
“I love the second-hand stores. I go to them every weekend. You can always find some unusual things,” she said. “And now my kids want to shop with me, too. Last week they found yarn and other craft supplies they needed for a project.”
Hammond friends Maria Garza, Pam Mamouzelous and Debbi Rotas visit Paws often and support all its fundraisers.
“We get together every week for dinner out and shopping,” Rotas said, as she talked with others. “Tonight fit perfectly into our plans.”
All proceeds from the Girls Night Out events benefit the animals of Humane Society Calumet Area.
For more information, call (219) 513-8911 or visit http://www.hscalumet.orgwww.hscalumet.org.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter.