On Sunday, July 27, 11am-3pm, WINGs (Women’s Independent Networking Group) is hosting a Christmas in July Community Fundraising and Family Event at Girls Inc. of Worcester, 125 Providence Street, Worcester, MA.
Last November, I organized WINGs in an effort to help women – small business owners, self-employed and entrepreneurs branch out and network with other women in the community. There just didn’t seem to be a group that focused on women in this way other than BNI (which is not exclusive to women) and other somewhat expensive networking groups.
We charge no dues (free, fun and fabulous!) , however, do run very much like a BNI. We have regular monthly meetings but decided to branch out, break away from our “comfort zones” and share with the community that there are some wonderful, strong women out there that are able to successfully balance family, home and business.
In our June meeting, we decided that a Christmas in July Event would be a great way to share what we all do within the community and give back at the same time. Being that Girls Inc is such a great organization, helping young women develop their sense of self and offer support, motivation and opportunities to further their education and interests, it seemed like the perfect fit – a women’s networking group supporting a program geared for and supporting young ladies -the up and coming successful women of tomorrow.
There will be 20-25 vendors at the event ranging from a local salon owner, a local realtor a licensed massage therapist, tarot/psychic, travel agent, health and wellness, Tupperware, Tastefully Simple, Thirty-One gifts, Jamberry Nails, Barefoot Books, Athena’s, several jewelry representatives, and various skin care lines. There will be a face painter for the kiddos, a bake sale, freeze pops and, of course, raffles items as as well as a 50/50 raffle.
Our sponsors have been most generous – it’s been overwhelming, the response I’ve gotten when approaching local businesses. Girls Inc has given us use of their auditorium for the event and some of our other sponsors who have donated raffle items include the Worcester Sharks – a voucher for 4 tickets to a game, an autographed banner, a photo of the team and the always fun bobble head. The Hanover Theater has donated a pair of tickets in the Golden Circle (best seats in the house!) to an upcoming show this fall (I can’t give away all the secrets – the name of the show will be revealed at the event). Planters Envy of Southbridge – a fun and unique little shop – has donated a beautiful, tropical live plant, A to Z Photography – lovely, framed art, Heart2Hands Massage – a free one hour massage, and Polar Beverages has helped us out with bottled waters. Barefoot Books and many other vendors are donating fun gift baskets and our face painter, masseuse and a gold/silver buyer are donating a portion of their proceeds from the day back to Girls Inc.
We hope for a great turnout and look forward to sharing what we do with others while supporting Girls Inc. How can you go wrong? Get some holiday shopping out of the way early, have fun and support a great organization.
Please check out our event page and we can’t wait to see everyone!
Jennifer Cass-Favata
WINGs Director and Organizer
