NEW’s fantastic Birthday Party

Last week we had a fabulous NEW birthday party at Avalon Salon and Spa in Deer Park.

Familiar faces and new members joined us in our celebration, which also honored Ruth McBride and Girls in the Game.

It is lovely to connect with a charity that has a personal resonance with one of our members.

We introduced ourselves and chatted about each others’ businesses.

Wine was flowing freely thanks to our host Bonnie Conte — in LED-lit glasses, no less (I want some of those)!

Deciding on red or white might have been the hardest part of the afternoon.

A silent auction was held to benefit the Ruth McBride Scholarship for Girls in the Game.

Our bidders went home pleased.

A raffle also raised additional funds.

The prizes (including an Avalon Massage) caused much cheer.

The gift basket from Aurora Rose Boutique is going to one of our online bidders, who has yet to be determined…

Bonnie provided an overview of the spa and salon and gave a tour to many of us. The nail polish wall is a rainbow of inspiration.

Then we received hand and neck massages.

Ruth McBride Scholarship Director Chris Pierucci gifted us cofounders with hearts.

One is to keep, and one is to pass on to someone who has left an impression on our hearts.

Chris also had handbags, suitcases and business card holders available for sale of which 100% of the proceeds benefit the Ruth McBride Scholarship as well.

I couldn’t decide so I got both. While the tally isn’t in, our informal goal for the fundraiser may have been met!

Nobody went home empty-handed, as Bonnie gave us lovely swag bags.

This is the coolest pen I ever owned, and we received the relaxing lotion we were pampered with during our mini-treatments.

Thank you Avalon for hosting us!

Join us for our next event in Hyde Park, where we will learn how to promote ourselves better.

Networking is far from boring when you do it in the right company.

NEW – The Network of Entrepreneurial Women is a group of Chicagoland business women who are upgrading business networking with fun and creative events that inspire attendees to work together, refer each other and most of all cheer each other on as the membership succeeds. Events rotate around various suburbs on a semimonthly basis, usually the 2nd Wednesday and 4th Thursday of the month. RSVP for our upcoming events at Meetup, or like us on Facebook and check up on the calendar there.

Photos Courtesy NetworkHoncho.com, some by Maike’s Marvels.