Have you ever wished you could avoid the constant tangle of shoppers that pack the malls during the holiday season? Fashion Square Mall hopes to use that exact wish to raise money for charity this weekend.
This Sunday, Fashion Square Mall will be closed from 6 to 9 p.m. for the first annual Simon Evening of Giving. This event, benefiting both the Simon Youth Foundation as well as over 20 additional local non-profit organizations, will allow only those shoppers who purchase an $8 ticket admittance into the mall.
Along with specialized shopping time, participants will be exposed to discounts at various shops, ranging from 10 percent off entire purchases from J.Crew to 15 percent off Anne Taylor and Red Robin. Door prizes including a one-carat diamond bracelet will also be given away.
Awareness of Body Image and Disordered Eating is one local organization that is participating in the event in order to raise money.
Basically, it is a "private evening of shopping with door prizes, music and food -- a lot of fun stuff to kick off the shopping season," ABIDE coordinator Anne Benner said.
According to fourth-year College student and intern for ABIDE, Rachel Merson, the event is a great way for University students to give something back to the community, especially during the holidays.
"Everyone I have spoken to about it so far has been excited. There has been a really positive response so hopefully it will be really successful," Merson said.
In addition to shopping, visitors to the mall may also enjoy music by the Charlottesville Swing Quartet, face painting, a caricaturist and a Jack Frost "living statue."
According to Marketing Director for Fashion Square Mall, Misty Parsons, this is the first time Simon has held the event at Fashion Square Mall. The organization, managing over 250 malls in the United States, has held the fundraiser in other locations for the past several years and has experienced great success thus far.
Parsons added that the event is not only the "perfect opportunity" for those who want to get into the holiday spirit without fighting the crowds the day after Thanksgiving, but is also a great way to give back to the Charlottesville community.
In an attempt to cater to ticket-holders, the event planners have worked to create "the whole deal" for participants, according to Parsons, with the variety of entertainment that will be provided.
Currently, approximately 1,000 tickets have been purchased for the event, however, sales will continue into the weekend, as well as at the door.
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