MALL PRIVATE SHOPPING NIGHT TO HELP CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

The West Park Mall is planning a private shopping night Nov. 15, open only to those with special tickets. The mall is looking for charitable organizations to partner with in this unique fund-raising event.

Called "Westfield Works Wonders," the program could raise thousands of dollars for area charitable organizations, said Joyce Hunter, director of marketing at the mall, which is owned by the Westfield Corporation.

The best thing about the program is that organizations selling tickets at $5 apiece get to keep 100 percent of the revenue, she said. There is no charge to the groups for the tickets.

In addition, cash prizes of $300, $200 and $100 will be donated by the mall to the three organizations that sell the most tickets.

Similar programs have proved very successful at other shopping centers owed by the Westfield Corporation.

"The Westfield Shoppingtowns in Connecticut staged this event for the first time in 1997 with spectacular results: $150,000 raised for 100 local charities," said Hunter. "All Westfield Shoppingtowns have adopted this worthy program for 1998."

On Sunday, Nov. 15, the mall will be open to ticket holders from 7-10 p.m. The mall normally closes at 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The "evening of excitement includes door prize drawings, special store discounts, entertainment, complimentary hors-d'oeuvres, a free photo with Santa and other seasonal delights," said Hunter.

She said the mall is in the process of getting the word out to all charitable groups in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois that may want to participate.

Groups wishing to join the program are asked to contact Hunter as soon as possible at 339-1333. The tickets are now available for distribution to groups.