Shopping is usually a must when it comes to preparing for the holiday season. Fighting crowds at stores, the numberless card swipes, and the seemingly infinite drives—it’s all so exhausting. Wouldn’t it make more sense to put a bunch of local businesses together in an area, and, since it’s the holidays, put a portion of their profits toward a worthy cause?
It’s such a noble idea, and this holiday season it’s for real—just like Santa. On Dec. 8, a dozen small businesses will convene at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum. Twenty percent of their proceeds will be donated to establish museum scholarships for foster children in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. The event will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“Reasons for the Season Extravaganza” is a first-ever for the museum.
“So many moms and local families that have small businesses have made offers,” said Kelly White O’Neil, executive director at the museum. “Then the light bulb came on: Invite everyone, and have a party, an event to support needy families and children.”
Of course, the general public is invited to partake in the sales, and there isn’t an entry charge. In addition, there will be a raffle at the event that will give attendants a chance to win some nifty prizes, as well as hors d’oeuvres and wine—compliments of CASA and the Discovery Museum.
“It’s a girl’s night out,” O’Neil said.
Though many of the vendors will be selling items directed at women, men should take note: As of the event, there will only be 17 days left before Christmas.
About 15 businesses will be present, all of which are listed on the Santa Maria Discovery Museum website: smdiscoverymuseum.org.
For more information, call the museum at 928-8414.
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 2-9, 2010.