Swanky Spring Soiree organizers Kenda, Kelly & Kerry.
The Second Annual Swanky Spring Soiree was a day full of shopping, food, wine and mingling amongst many mothers and women. On April 28th, over 130 women came out in support of the event, which raised over $3,000 dollars for The Ride to Conquer Cancer.
“It’s a night to get out, get rid of the kids and enjoy downtown Oakville,” said Kenda Blum, organizer of the event.
Blum participated in The Ride to Conquer Cancer two years ago, and will be riding once again this year on June 11th. The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a bicycle ride from Toronto to Niagara Falls, totaling a distance of over 200km. Money raised from the event will support research and care at The Princess Margaret hospital, one of the top cancer research hospitals in the world.
“My team is trying to raise $20,000 to conquer cancer in our lifetime,” said Blum. “I’m forty so it’s a great way to keep myself in shape. My kids are also thrilled that their mom can do it.”
Related: Click here to view more photos from this event.
Last year, the Swanky Spring Soiree event had 60 women attend. This year it sold out within two days and saw over 130 women come out.
Originally the Swanky Spring Soiree was created just as a girls night out for the website BalanceMyLife.ca
“As we got into doing events for charities we decided to give some of the proceeds to the charity of the year that we’d choose,” said Blum.
Nancy, Pam, Carla, Deanna, Kenda at Swanky Spring Soiree 2011.
Those who participated in the day were able to shop downtown Oakville at stores such as WANT Boutique, Tommy Bahama, House Warmings, Groms, Vocado Boutique, Inside Story, The Bronze Frog and more. All retailers provided discounts with proof of tickets for all the women that attended the Swanky Spring Soiree. Mercedes Benz donated a bus for the evening to take everyone from place to place, protecting those who had their hair blow-dried at a special price at Salon Monzer, from the wind and rain.
The Grande finale of the day took place at Jonathans Fine Dining and J-Bistro. Here the ladies were able to take off their coats, grab a glass of wine, enjoy appetizers and mingle with each other. For those that were still in the shopping mood, vendors from Magz Bagz, Mon Petit Bijou, Embellished Works Photography, Scentsy, Destiny Fitness and Lux Silver had stations set up with lots of goodies for purchase.
Total proceeds raised from the silent auction and the some 40 prizes that were donated for raffle went to the Ride to Conquer Cancer. In addition, a portion of the ticket sales will go to the cause as well.
“Many of my friends have been affected by cancer, so I’m trying to give back,” said Blum.
Plans for next year’s Soiree are already in the works. Balance My Life will have all the details first.
“Next year will be bigger and better. Balance My Life isn’t going anywhere so you may as well join online and watch for more information,” said Blum.
Balance My Life is an online magazine for women thirty-five and up. It promotes living, working, playing and taking the time to enjoy life.
“It’s about doing things on our own rather than focusing on our children all the time,” said Blum.
The Swanky Spring Soiree not only acted as a fundraising event, but it was also a great opportunity for moms and busy women to get out of the house and have some fun.
For more information, visit www.balancemylife.ca.
Tags: Kenda Blum
About the author: Kelly Gorven
Kelly is a freelance writer and recent graduate from the Journalism Print program at Sheridan College. Aside from writing for Oakville.com and Burlington.net, she also sits on the Board of Directors for Halton Crime Stoppers and enjoys volunteering and creating the newsletter for the organization. In her spare time she enjoys reading and watching movies.
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