PORT TOWNSEND — The Main Street Program is inviting women to enjoy a night out on the town for the sake of a few good deals and one good cause.
Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., “Girls Night Out” in downtown and uptown Port Townsend will feature sales in several shops, a raffle for multiple prizes, a chance to purchase fund raiser “goody bags” and the opportunity to benefit the Jefferson County Breast and Cervical Health Program.
“It’s a chance to get some great deals in town and for local businesses to connect with people,” said Mari Mullen, director of Main Street.
“But also, since it is Oct. 1, the event takes the opportunity to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Since 2004, we have raised $13,547 for the program through Girls Night Out.”
County program
Each year, the county program provides more than 120 free breast and cervical cancer screenings in Jefferson County.
“It’s a great, free program that is provided in the county, and this event gives us the opportunity to both raise money and raise awareness of the importance of screening exams,” said Julia Danskin, public health nursing director for Jefferson County Public Health.
“It’s important for every woman to have their annual screening exams, but some can’t afford it.
“If you can’t afford it, we want you to give us a call and we will see if you qualify for a free exam.”
The free screenings are covered in part by federal funding, Danskin said, but the government money often doesn’t cover all of the demand.
So the annual fundraiser helps, she said.
“It’s about $3,000 that they bring in for us every year,” Danskin said.
“One year, we were able to take that money and give everyone on the waiting list a free screening.
“That is a good feeling.”
Mullen said the raising of funds and awareness is the main point of the day but it’s also important to remember all of the good deals people will find in town on Thursday.
“Everything we have going on this weekend also promotes shopping locally,” Mullen said.
Saying thanks
“It’s kind of an opportunity for merchants to say thanks to their customers.”
Participating retailers include Uptown Nutrition, 1002 Lawrence St.; About Time, 839 Water St.; Bickie’s Cotton Casuals, 1034 Water St.; The Clothes Horse, 910 Water St.; Expressions Apparel, 834 Water St.; Finders Keepers, 909 Water St.; Five Fingers, 911 Water St.; The Green Eyeshade, 720 Water St.; Lila Drake, Jewelry 918 Water St.; Mad Hatter, 926 Water St.; Maestrale, 821 Water St.; Maricee, 913 Water St.; Monsoon, 636 Water St.; Ms. Bee Haven, 1020 Water St.; Personalize It!, 1007 Water St.; Silverwater Café, 237 Taylor St.; Slather, 922 Water St.; Sport Townsend, 1044 Water St.; Summer House Design, 930 Water St.; Tickled Pink, 825 Water St. and Wandering Angus 929, Water St.
Goodie bags and raffle tickets will be sold at participating retailers. Bags sell for $5 and $25 and raffle tickets sell for $5 each.
For more information about Girl’s Night Out or the Main Street Program, visit www.ptmainstreet.org.
To contact Jefferson County Public Health about the Jefferson County Breast and Cervical Health Program, phone 360-385-9400.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.