Sisters Jennifer Williams of Crown Point and Jolene Carter of Homer Glen, Ill., live 50 miles apart, but make it a point to get together once a month for quality time.
This month’s outing was a visit to the Girls Night Out fundraiser at the Paws Resale Shoppe in Highland.
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“This (event) is a must-do for us each year,” Williams said. “They have everything we could want in a fun night.”
They joined dozens of others in shopping among the 25 vendors presenting their wares, participated in a wine tasting, visited the dessert table, listened to a yoga consultation and enjoyed complimentary spa services.
The spa services were facilitated by students of Don Roberts Beauty School and Spa. Hand and arm massages and manicures were on the agenda.
“I had no idea we were going to be pampered like this,” said Kara Langman of Hammond, as she waited in line with her mother for their manicures. “We are enjoying every minute of this party. We know money from our event tickets is going to the animals at the Humane Society (Calumet Area) and we want to help them too.”
Another station set up in the back room of Paws Resale was the relaxation therapy area. This involved the use of coloring books to take away the cares of the day while participants enjoyed selections from the dessert table and a glass of wine.
Then it was off to the spa.
“I’ve never had this type of (arm) massage they’re giving,” Karen Billick of Munster said as student Ashley Stalbaum worked on her. “This is very relaxing.”
Courtney Wiley, 7, of Munster, came to the evening event with her mother, Rita, and Aunt Racquel Nelson of Highland.
“My favorite thing so far was having my nails painted,” Courtney said, holding up her hands. “I really liked coming here.”
Items displayed by the vendors ranged from candles and jewelry to makeup and Tupperware.
Pamela Mamouzelos of Hammond each year attends the fundraiser, which is in its third year at Paws. “I always find all kinds of things here,” she said, as she browsed one of the jewelry table. “I never go home empty-handed.”
Paws volunteer Cheryl Mikuly offered her services at the event for the second year. She said she enjoys seeing the women relaxed and having a good time.
“This (Girls Night Out) is nice way for women to pamper themselves,” she said. “And it’s all for a great cause — the animals.”
Paws, a resale shop at 8149 Kennedy Ave. in Highland, was created to benefit the Humane Society Calumet Area, a no-kill animal shelter in Munster. The organization’s administrative offices are housed in the Paws building.
For more information about the Humane Society Calumet Area: 219-513-8911.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.