Area residents are getting ready for a night of pampering, shopping, music, food and more at the 2009 Ladies Night Out.
“It is certain to be one of the areas best events of the year,” said Angie Banks, coordinator of the event.
Kansas Media One will present the fifth annual Ladies Night Out from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 at McGilley Field House on the University of Saint Mary campus in Leavenworth.
“The 2008 event was a record year, with more attendees and vendors since the inception of the event,” Banks said. “More than 80 vendors participated in the 2008 event and 2009 is shaping up in similar fashion. An inspiring 850 tickets were distributed for the 2008 event.”
The features of the 2009 event will mimic those from previous years, Banks said.
“Music will fill the field house with an upbeat atmosphere throughout the evening,” she said. “Decorations colored in soft hues of pink and silver combined with creative lighting enhance the experience. Ladies from as far as an hour drive away have been known to attend.”
Although the event is geared toward women, Banks said men have been known to partake in the festivities as well.
Some vendors may provide product and service samples to attendees such as a quick massage or facial, or promotional products.
“Attendees are encouraged to shop vendor booths as vendors are allowed to sell their products and services,” Banks said.
Some vendors include home-based businesses such as Mary Kay Cosmetics, Pampered Chef, Cookie Lee Jewelry and Vemma Nutrition to name a few. Many area businesses also participate, including JF Denny, Saint John and Cushing hospitals, Lee’s Family Fitness, Curves, Artistic Works by Lu, MidAmerican Bank and many more.
Tampico Mexican Restaurant, Blue Crab Bistro, Blackbelt Bar-B-Q and Long John Silvers will offer a sampling of food items.
“It is possible that more area restaurants may participate,” Banks said.
If sampling does not fulfill the appetite of attendees, then Banks said they may visit the concession stand.
“We wanted to add more food options this year, as it seems each year we run out of food before the event is over,” said Sandy Hattock, advertising director for KMO.
For the first time at Ladies Night Out, Banks said members of Girl Scout Troop 1072 will be selling food and drinks, and of course Girl Scout cookies, from the concession stand.
“The Troop will be donating a portion of the concession stand proceeds to the Leavenworth Alliance Against Family Violence,” Banks said.
The first 500 attendees will receive a gift bag full of coupons, product samples and information. All attendees will receive a raffle ticket upon entry.
Attendees will need to visit the door prize booth in the center of the field house to have the chance to win door prizes. Banks said attendees also may make a small donation for a chance to win a grand prize package.
Silent auction items will be on display for attendees to bid on. As with door prizes, Banks said the silent auctions will run throughout the evening, so attendees are encouraged to revisit the booth more than once.
In 2008, the silent auction and door prize collections in conjunction with Kansas Media One contributions donated $2,500 to Susan G. Komen.
“We are proud to present this worthwhile event to the community that brings friends and families together for two good causes, Susan G. Komen, and for the first time, the Alliance Against Family Violence,” said Tim Larson, KMO publisher.
Proceeds generated from these activities are directly contributed to the Kansas City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Leavenworth’s Alliance Against Family Violence.
“We need your help,” Banks said. “More items are needed for door prizes and the silent auction. Any business or individual may donate products, samples or gift certificates to be used at Ladies Night Out for either door prizes or the silent auction.”
Those who wish to donate will be asked to bring their item to the Kansas Media One Information Center, 422 Seneca, prior to Jan. 17 in order to participate. Donors should include their business or contact information with the donated items.
According to Banks, the time of the event has been moved in order for the event to start an hour earlier than previous years. By request, she said the doors will open at 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. like last year. The event will commence at 9 p.m.
Moving the event to October is another change that is being considered. However, Banks said responses to questionnaires distributed at the 2008 event did not provide overwhelming approval of such a change.
“Some attendees explained that although October brings warmer weather, it is also a busier time of the year as families are attending fall sporting activities and preparing for the holidays,” Hattock said.
To ensure that the event continues to meet the desires of the community, Banks said attendees and vendors will be surveyed again at the 2009 event.
The field house is located on the far west side of the campus on Hughes Road. Additional parking will be available at the northwest corner of the Leavenworth Plaza, just a short distance north of the field house. Shuttle transportation will be available for attendees throughout the evening at no additional charge. This event may not be suitable for children younger than the age of 14.
Tickets will cost $5 and are available in advance at Kansas Media One, 422 Seneca St. For more information or to pay by phone, call 913-682-0305. To expedite entry to the event, attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, however, tickets will be available at the door. Visit www.kansasmediaone.com for more details.
Leavenworth, Kan. —
