Cary Business Report: Gal Pals Raise $5,000 for Charity

Story by Brenda Larson | March 30, 2010 | Tags: Business

Cary, NC – I had a fabulous time at the Gal Pals Silent and Live Auction to benefit Dress for Success of the Triangle last Thursday night at The Matthews House in Cary. Hosted by gal pals DJ Mitsch, Sheila Ogle and Casey Bastian, the event brought Triangle women together to raise funds for Dress for Success, a charity that dresses women in need for job interviews and for work, when they obtain employment.

Author and owner of The Pyramid Resource Group, a coaching company, DJ Mitsch; Cary entrepeneur Sheila Ogle (owner of MRPP Inc. and The Matthews House); and Panera Bread of the Triangle vice president of operations Casey Bastian organized and hosted this event, powerful women making a difference for other women who need help.

DJ Mitsch served as the bubbly auctioneer, adding immense numbers of zeros to the bids being made during the auction, much to the delight of the guests, who had all donated items for the cause.

Everyone had a terrific time, perusing the silent auction items and bidding on the live ones. I happily hauled home some treasures and will look forward to next year’s event.

Pat Nathan, executive director of the Triangle affiliate of Dress for Success, reports that $5,000 was raised at the auction.

“For us, that’s huge,” she said, “especially in this economy. We are very pleased with how the event turned out for us and we’re looking forward to next year.”

CELEBRATING THE EARTH AT CARY TOWNE CENTER

On April 17, Cary Towne Center will host a Celebrating the Earth Expo to reach a group of eco-conscious consumers who want to see North Carolina become greener. In addition to a Green Car display and children’s activities, there will be booth space available for businesses, organizations and non-profit groups. For more information on getting involved, contact Jaclyn Moore at 9129-467-0145 or Jaclyn_Moore@CBLProperties.com.

LEARN TO GROW YOUR VEGGIES

The Gardener’s Kitchen, created by Ginger Zucchino, offers a series of hands-on workshops tht guide participants through the complete process of growing and enjoying their own organic vegetables. Each workshop focuses on a different seasonal aspect of the yearly vegetable gardening cycle. Courses include reference materials. Check out the schedule and prices of classes, all held in Cary, at http://thegardenerskitchen-nc.com/.

SAS TOPS FORTUNE’S LIST, AGAIN

Cary-based SAS, a leader in business analytics, is No. 1 on Fortune magazine’s annual best companies to work list. SAS was listed as one of the best for health care, child care and work-life balance. SAS has made the list all 13 years since it was established in 1998. This is the seventh time SAS has been in the top 10.

NEWS FROM THE CHAMBER

Business After Hours: The April 15 networking event, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., is at one of my favorite places this month, Garden Supply Company, 1421 Old Apex Rd. Join chamber members and guests for networking, socializing, food and fun. For information, call 919-460-7747.

Elected Officials Reception: Mark April 28 on your calendar. That’s the date of the annual Elected Officials Reception at The Matthews House, 317 W. Chatham St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come out and meet your elected officials at this annual event, sponsored this year by Rex Healthcare, Carolina Hurricanes, PSNC, The Matthews House and The Town of Cary. Call 919-467-1016.