Women flock to food, fun, fashion at Ladies Night Out

Area women of all ages flocked to sample food, wine and fashion, as well as information from local businesses that exhibited products and services on Thursday evening at Ladies Night Out.

Sponsored by The Reporter, Aurora Health Center and a number of other area companies, the annual event was held this year from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 1 N. Main St.

In addition to refreshments and product samples, those attending were treated to several guest speakers, followed by âDivine Reinvention,â a fashion show featuring local âcelebrityâ models and sponsored by Younkers.

About 400 attendees had arrived at the second floor of the historic downtown hotel by about 5 p.m., said event organizer Molly Haack, marketing coordinator for The Reporter. And new arrivals continued to filter in.

It's right on the mark, Haack said.

More booths this year as well as a new wine-tasting station drew a lot of interest before the 6:30 program began. Profits from the event go to the Newspaper in Education program.

Loree Olson, a certified nurse midwife with Aurora Health Care, was the event’s featured speaker and gave a presentation on women’s health issues.

Lines of women filed past booths offering information on the latest trends in makeup, tips on health care and examples of unique Christmas ornaments.

“Many said they felt it was an important event for women,” said Peggy Dennison, a psychologist with Inside/Out Counseling and Diagnostic Center, as she handed out fliers on the center’s services. “I think there’s a lot of information here that’s pertinent.”

Dennison said it was her first year at the event, and, judging by the good turnout, she expects it to grow.

Newer to the Fond du Lac area, Barbara Meunier said she thought the event was a great opportunity to learn about the community.