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Community Corner

Purposeful Purchases: Shopping Event Planned to Benefit Local Organizations

Vendors, spa services, music, food and fun come together at Orland Park Civic Center while raising needed funds for troops and a local animal shelter.

Christmas season shopping is officially in full swing, but relatives and friends aren't the only ones with a wish list.

This is also the time of year when charities see an increased need for funds to keep them going strong.

Orland Park residents Lisa Brown, Loma Gigi Hall and Kathleen Herrebout thought if people are willing to spend hundreds, even thousands, on gifts, perhaps they'd also be willing to donate while shopping. The three joined to organize SPAtastic SHOPPortunity, a charitable event with 70 vendors, wine tasting, spa services, music and a buffet featuring appetizers and desserts.

Over 400 shoppers attended the event last year where all proceeds after expenses were donated to charity. Among the organizations receiving money from event sales is OPERATION: Mom's Cookies, a charity that provides "mom's boxes from home" filled with items often unavailable to service men and women overseas.  

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“Simple items that we take for granted are in great demand and greatly appreciated by the troops that receive these packages,” said Brown.
will also benefit from the generosity of event shoppers.

“We have donated over $8,000 and countless wish list items, multiple pallets of kitty litter, pallets of cleaning products and trunk loads of snack items,” said Brown. ”This will be our fourth large event in the past two years.”

Tickets are $5 if bought before noon on Friday, Dec. 2nd or $10 at the door. They are available at , 15643 S. 94th Avenue in Orland Park or online. The cost includes free spa services from , wine & beer tasting from Aged 2 Perfection, appetizer and dessert buffet and a grand raffle ticket, valued at over $1,000.

A “Shop Around The World Card” enters participants into a Spa Night Package raffle with five purchases from any vendors. The package includes an overnight stay at , a plush robe and a bottle of wine.

The vendors will offer clothing, jewelry, purses and accessories, psychic readings, gold and silver purchases, specialty food and drinks, health and beauty items and more. 

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“The variety of available items makes it possible to find something for everyone on your list, all in one spot,” said Brown.

Visit the event webpage for more information and a complete list of vendors.

What: SPAtastic SHOPPortunity to benefit & OPERATION: Mom’s Cookies

Where: , 14750 S. Ravinia, Orland Park

When: Friday, Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 

Looking for more holiday news? Check out the Orland Park 2011 Holiday Guide and the Tinley Park 2011 Holiday Guide.

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