It is said that there's a first time for everything, and for the Zonta Club of Marietta's fifth annual Divas and Deals shopping event Friday that first will be a new time and day of the week.
After last year's Sunday event, committee members and vendors decided to change things up a bit in order to attract more of a crowd.
"We discussed about doing (the event) along with downtown shopping on a Friday night," said vendor Linda Stanwick, an accessories stylist for Premier Designs high-fashion jewelry.
Article Photos
Linda Stanwick, an accessories stylist for Premier Designs high-fashion jewelry, takes time Tuesday to show off the jewelry set she’ll donate for one of the raffles at Friday’s Divas and Deals shopping event, a fundraiser for the Zonta Club of Marietta at The Lafayette Hotel.
SHARON BOPP
The Marietta Times
The Divas and Deals shopping event will be held at The Lafayette Hotel from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday. There will be a $2 cover charge, free appetizers and a cash bar.
Last year's Divas and Deals raised about $1,000, a portion of which was donated to the EVE shelter, said Zonta member Christine Lisk.
Washington-Morgan Community Action's Secret Santa program and Zonta's scholarship funds have also been past recipients.
Fact Box
If you go
What: Zonta Club of Marietta's Divas and Deals shopping event.
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday.
Where: Lafayette Hotel, 101 Front St., Marietta.
Cost: $2 cover charge; free appetizers and cash bar.
Shopping opportunities: 24 vendors and home consultants, many offering special deals.
Chances to win: Door prize; 52-card raffle for a Kindle Fire HD, $10 each; each vendor and home consultant will donate a raffle item.
After Friday's event, the club will decide which Zonta service projects or community groups will receive the funds raised in 2012.
"A lot of times it has to do with where the greater need is," said Sharon Coffman, event chairwoman.
Deb Shockey, who will be one of 24 vendors at Divas and Deals, said she likes the event's philanthropic purpose.
"I do believe in Zonta's cause. They are here to help women who need a lift up and help promote them in the business world," said Shockey, a consultant for BeautiControl skincare, beauty and at-home spa products.
Cathy Cunningham, 39, of Marietta, who has attended the event since its start in 2007, likes helping independent businesswomen in the greater Marietta community.
"I get to support a lot of local women that are consultants for different products," said Cunningham.
This year's scheduled list of vendors and consultants includes Mary Kary Cosmetics, Willow House, Tastefully Simple, Avon, Pampered Chef, Dove Chocolate, Scentsy, Swagg, Creative Memories, Candles by Patty, Convertible Shoes and Tupperware.
"We don't duplicate our vendors," Lisk said. "You might see two jewelry vendors, but they're two different kinds."
Many items will be available for immediate sale, others for orders. Merchandise will include stocking stuffers and specially discounted items.
For example, Stanwick will have "wild deals" on items from Premier Designs' limited-edition jewelry.
"I'll offer any necklace for $20, bracelet for $15 and earrings for $10, or a combination of the three that's $40," said Stanwick.
Each attendee will receive a ticket good for a door prize upon entering.
In addition, there will be a 52-card raffle at $10 each for a Kindle Fire HD and several product raffles. Each vendor and consultant will supply a raffle item.
Cunningham is looking forward to shopping for Christmas or for herself at this year's Diva and Deals.
"It's nice to be able to support the Zontas, have an evening out with friends, shop and have some wine," she said.
Zonta is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.
