Hello, gorgeous! Eston’s Ladies Night In a huge success

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Eston 95 Lions hosted a very successful 36th annual ladies event on Saturday, May 1, which cleared $19,000 in money raised. Hello, Gorgeous Ladies Night In was the name of their virtual fundraiser, and a $30 ticket got you in and entered for 135 prizes. The Eston Lions club was excited to have 568 ladies attend the event.

Prize winners were also entered to win one of two grand prizes consisting of a bouquet of flowers and either $1000 or $1500 cash. Ticket holders could also purchase 50/50 tickets which was over $2400, and could also buy a ticket on a beautiful ring.

Eston 95 Lions consists of 43 members, who range in age from their 20’s up to members in their 80’s. Lacy Owens of Risk Management in Eston, who helped organize the event, said she appreciates that dynamic and has friends who are in their 80’s, who she would not otherwise have met.

Lacy announced each prize on Facebook as it was donated and offering her comments before the grand event took place. “Local and surrounding businesses have made it so much more than we ever imagined it could be!” Lacy said. Those prizes amounted to thousands of dollars in value.

Each ticket holder decided how they would celebrate the event. “When you get your ticket, you get invited to a Facebook group. You don’t have to be on camera; it’s all up to you,” Lacy explained online.

Ladies could gather in their bubble, pick a theme, have a potluck, order in, have a cocktail party or a tea party - the choices were limitless. If they preferred, they could organize a virtual gathering on Zoom, FaceTime, Skype or others. Close friends could meet up at a local establishment, at a bonfire or in someone’s backyard, but you also could curl up in your pj’s, enjoy a treat while participating in the virtual event.

“It is an honour and privilege to serve this community. I have been completely blown away and overwhelmed by the support we have had on this event and all of our fundraisers!” Lacy posted. “We began this project with small hopes of creating a little buzz, bringing people together, and promoting local business. The support has just been unbelievable! Not only have we had amazing donations, but we have also enhanced our relationships with surrounding communities and supported many of our local businesses in the process!”

Lacy took time to celebrate each business that donated a prize. “Each one is so unique. They all have had a history, trials and triumphs. It is an honour to celebrate and showcase them while raising money for our community,” she noted.

“Even in tough times, this community and surrounding areas have come together to support us, near and far! The spotlight was mostly intended to focus on our local businesses that are so supportive, and raising funds was just a bi-product of that,” Lacy concluded. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way to have a good time!”