60 LSF Clients, Staff Enjoy

Shopping Spree at Chico's

Company Store Offers Deep Discounts to LSF

14 December 2009

By Thomas L. Weitzel, LSF Communications

More than 60 Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) staff, foster parents and friends in Fort Myers were given a three hour shopping spree last month with major discount shopping at Chico's Company Store.  Afterwards, Chico's donated $458 to LSF, which represented 10 percent of the sales.

The shopping spree was part of a program of non-profit shopping days that the nationwide women's retailer sponsors on a regular basis.  Cheryl Dolenc, Senior Administrative Assistant for LSF's Southwest Region, first heard about the program through her connections with United Way.

"Our United Way representative told me about it when she gave an annual campaign presentation to our staff," said Dolenc.  "She invited me to their non-profit shopping day, and after shopping and getting three belts and a pair of earrings for $9, I requested a special day for LSF."

Chico's representative Kevin Anderson wrote back to Dolenc immediately scheduling a shopping day for LSF on a Friday in early November, explaining that the three hour shopping event would take place at the Chico's Company Store in Fort Myers.  He said that the store was a warehouse setting, so shoppers should dress casually.  He also listed prices for shopping event: accessories (earring, bracelets, necklaces, watches, scarves, belts, shoes, purses) $3 -- tops, bottoms, and lingerie $5 -- dresses and jackets $10 -- gowns $20.

"These prices are well below their normal retail prices," explained Dolenc. "Prices in their stores and advertised on their website are significantly higher."

So the chance to get Chico's merchandise at significant discounts created enough excitement that Dolenc was able to sign up more than 60 people for shopping from among LSF staff, foster parents and friends.

When the day came, "many purchases were made at rock bottom prices by ladies who took this task very seriously!" said Dolenc.  Purchases included items for themselves and for family members as well as some advance shopping for Christmas, she reported.

In the end, Dolenc wrote that "This was the easiest fun(d)-raiser we can recall," referencing the 10 percent donation that Chico's made to LSF as a result of the purchases.

Many thanks to Chico's for sponsoring this LSF non-profit shopping day and for their donation to LSF Southwest and their work with foster children and families.

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