Girls Night Out continues to dazzle

Alycia Douglass
Girls Night Out continues to dazzle
From left

CORNWALL, Ontario – The Agora Centre was abuzz with feminine energy this Sat. Feb. 4, as women gathered in droves to enjoy the fourth annual Girls Night Out in support of Maison Baldwin House.

With event attendance growing steadily each year, organizer, Naomi Lamarche says that it’s come a long way from its humble beginnings in her pantry. “It just started out as something I’d always wanted to do,” said Lamarche. “About 10 years ago, we heard Maison Baldwin House’s budget was really low for Christmas, and their house was full. So, we decided to have a pantry party where we filled the house with women.”

Now, the event has grown well beyond the pantry, and was held at the Agora Centre this year – their largest venue to date. The event, which promised something for everyone, featured tribal dancers, pole fitness demonstrations, a large assortment of vendors, and the chance to break bread with fellow women.

“It just seems to get bigger, and more beautiful, with more women coming out each year,” said Maison Baldwin House’s Executive Director, Debbie Fortier. “It’s a win-win for us.”

Fortier says that she’s always impressed with the event, and the crowd it’s able to draw. “It’s great that other women in the community are so creative, in terms of getting together and organizing an event,” said Fortier. “Particularly, to this magnitude, that benefits women in their community.”

Lamarche says that there’s always the pressure to compete with the previous year’s event, but she’ll be taking some time off before mapping out the plans for next year. “This is our baby,” said Lamarch. “But we’re willing to branch out and let it grow a little bit.”

The event has more than doubled since its first year with no plans of slowing down soon. With an anticipated $7,000 in funds raised throughout the evening, Lamarche says that the event is important to women on multiple levels.

“It’s getting the women out in the community, it’s not just about abuse – tonight, it’s more about being women,” said Lamarche. “Get out there, be proud of who you are, and don’t let anybody put you down. It’s a nice reason to grab your best friend, your sister, your mom, and just enjoy an evening out.”

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