Plus a Catered Shopping Event, and a Wine and Beauty “Pairing”
By Chris Clemens
GirlFriend Factor (GFF), dedicated to helping women reach their potential and achieve their goals through higher education and occupational training, is once again hosting the Little Black Dress (LBD) reception on Monday, March 23 in the Big White Tent during Fashion Week. In addition, GFF is hosting a shopping extravaganza event at Chico’s, and a wine tasting and beauty pairing party at Just Blow Drys on El Paseo.
“Fashion, beauty and girlfriends go hand-in-hand” said Joan Busick, Founder of GirlFriend Factor. “The combination of events we have planned are a perfect fit for celebrating Fashion Week, and we are excited to be involved once again this year by bringing women together at these engaging events.”
The LBD reception on Monday March 23rd begins at 6:30 p.m. as part of El Paseo Runway Night. It is catered by Ruth’s Chris and followed by a runway spectacular with city style, featuring the latest collections from 15 El Paseo stores. Women are encouraged to wear their own LBDs that night.
The next day on Tuesday, March 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., GFF partners with Chico’s for a catered shopping event featuring expert style advice and tips, along with a variety of raffle prizes awarded throughout the evening. Tasty refreshments will be served and 10 percent of purchases benefit GirlFriend Factor. Chico’s is located at 73100 El Paseo.
On Friday, March 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Just Blow Drys hosts a beauty and wine tasting pairing event benefitting GFF. For any service received that day, guests will be treated to a glass of Grassini wine and a raffle ticket. The winner will receive a sensational raffle basket that includes a relaxing two-night stay in Santa Barbara at Peppertree Inn, along with a tasting at Grassini Tasting Room located in downtown Santa Barbara. Notably, the Grassini wines are crafted “inside.” The winery itself is embedded in a prominent hillside with the rear opening into spectacular wine caves. The prize basket also includes a Dry Pack of three blow drys for future use at Just Blow Drys and a travel kit of pampering hair products. Plus, for the second year Just Blow Drys is giving makeovers and tickets to one of the runway shows to two of GFF’s GoGirl! Grant recipients. Just Blow Dry’s is located at 73375 El Paseo.
Founded in 2005, Girlfriend Factor is a nonprofit organization that aims to ensure that higher education and occupational training are financially accessible to adult women, ages 25 and older, who choose to improve their economic position in life and who strive for self-sufficiency. GirlFriend Factor has awarded over $290,000 to almost 100 recipients to date. While providing educational grants to women to achieve their educational goals, the organization also celebrates and explores the powerful influence women have on each other’s lives through building friendships, and sharing experiences.
For more information about GirlFriend Factor and these events visit www.thegirlfriendfactor.org or call 760.772.9594.
