MARIETTA - The Zonta Club of Marietta's fifth annual Divas and Deals shopping tour will be held from 6-10 p.m. Friday, the first time the event has been on a Friday.
After last year's event on Sunday, organizers and vendors decided to change things to attract a larger 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.
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Photo by Sharon Bopp
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.
Divas and Deals will be held at The Lafayette Hotel from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday with 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.
The Washington-Morgan Community Action Secret Santa program and Zonta's scholarship funds have been past recipients.
After the sale, 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, one of 24 vendors at Divas and Deals, said she likes the 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 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.
