03 Nov 2012 Larger show expected for 11th Dazzle Daze
As Dazzle Daze — Conway’s holiday shopping extravaganza — nears its 11th anniversary, supporters are expecting a larger show with new attractions.
The event will offer shoppers from throughout Central Arkansas a good opportunity to fulfill that resolution to get some holiday shopping out of the way early this year. More than 90 merchants are expected at the event, offering shoppers a variety of merchandise – jewelry, gourmet food, décor, clothing, toys, artwork and numerous other holiday gift items.
All Dazzle Daze events will be held at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds, 2505 E. Oak St./Hwy. 64E.
501 LIFE is a presenting sponsor for Dazzle Daze.
In the past 10 years, Dazzle Daze has raised more than $300,000 in support of health care at Conway Regional Health System benefiting the neonatal intensive care nursery, the cardiology program, scholarships for area health students, programs for senior citizens and many others. For the third year, the Conway Regional Women’s Council will direct Dazzle Daze proceeds toward the ONE capital campaign for the expansion of the women’s center and surgical facilities as well as fund a medical scholarship and scholarships to the Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center.
Dazzle Daze co-chairs Debbie Clark and Jennifer Hill are excited about this year’s holiday shopping event.
Debbie has been a volunteer at Dazzle Daze since the beginning in 2002, recalling her first experience was a few days after surgery. “This is the primary hospital for the region, and it’s the least I can do, to give back to Conway Regional, the physicians and staff,” she said. “They have been very good to us since we moved here in 1996.” That year, her husband, Ray, began practicing medicine in Conway.
In her third year on the council, Jennifer committed to being a co-chair “because we are set up to succeed.”
She added, “The ladies who work on the women’s council are very committed and we have great support from the Foundation staff.” She is thankful for “the great support at home from my husband, Darren. It’s my nature; I like to serve.”
Jennifer also volunteers at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church and in the Greenbrier School District and works as an office manager for the 20th Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office.
“Not only is it a great opportunity to support our health system, it’s a great opportunity to see some merchandise that you don’t normally see,” said Hill.
Girls’ Nite Out
Dazzle Daze will begin with “Girls’ Nite Out” 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. It will feature the live jazz music by Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers, Chicks Who Click photo sessions and shopping at more than 90 merchant booths from around the region. Chef Jill McCollum will captivate the palate with a variety of appetizers.
The first 50 women to spend $100 that night will have their names entered into a drawing for jewelry from Fletcher-Smith Jewelers and a $1,000 gift certificate for laser and spa services from Cosmetic Laser Solutions.
Tickets for Girls’ Nite Out are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Pajama party
Dazzle Daze will host a pajama party with Santa at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16. Kids are invited to wear their pajamas and listen to stories from Santa, visit with the elves and have a special photo taken.
The $15 ticket includes one adult general admission ticket good for entrance all day Friday, free admission for children with accompanying adult, story time with Santa, a special photo (one photo per ticket) and a treat. The party is limited to 100 tickets.
For more information about Dazzle Daze, visit dazzledaze.com, call 501.513.5778 or email DazzleDaze@ conwayregional.org.
(See the special eight- page insert in this November edition of 501 LIFE for additional information about Dazzle Daze.)
