Girls Night Out aims to entertain, inform and educate

Saturday’s third annual Girls Night Out, being billed as a celebration in support of women and local cancer charities, will offer educational workshops in the afternoon followed by an evening that will include a rally for women, survivor stories and a fashion show.

“This event is an exceptionally fun way to celebrate with your friends, be inspired to be more proactive, and raise funds for valuable local charities,” said Carrie Schulstad, chairwoman of the event committee. “We have some fun new activities this year, and it is always a blast to spend time with your ‘girlies’ in our charming downtown.”

The event is hosted by the Downtown Camas Association. According to organizers this year the event, sponsored by PeaceHealth Kearney Breast Center, will offer a broader education component with sessions focusing on awareness and action. Three options will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m.

Focusing on the long term wellness of women and in keeping with this year’s theme, a free three part health seminar called “Girly Parts Ed” will cover breast and ovarian cancer awareness and treatment options with prevention tips and healthy lifestyle incentives. The workshops include: “It’s Not Always a Lump,” with Dr. Lawrence Rose; “What’s In Your Jeans?” with Dr. Allison Higgins and “Girly Parts Prevail!” with Gail Weeks, an oncology nurse coordinator. During breaks, there will be yoga demonstrations and free massage. Registration for “Girly Parts Ed” begins at noon at Journey Church.

“Working with title sponsor Peace Health has allowed the Downtown Camas Association to accentuate the health angle and bring more information to women in the hopes of prevention, early detection and increasing understanding of cancer treatment,” Schulstad said.

The evening portion of the event will be highlighted by activities, dining and shopping. Registration starts at 4 p.m. at Journey Church, followed by events that start with opening ceremonies at 5 p.m. There will be free massage and beauty treatments, photo shoots, art projects, shopping and dining promotions, blessing boards, temporary tattoos done by a professional artist, treats and pink drinks, Hoops for Pink, live music and a raffle. The cost for the evening portion of the event is $15 for those who pre-reregister by Thursday, or $20 at the door. The first 250 women who register online will receive a free goodie bag.

Proceeds benefit local women’s cancer charities the Pink Lemonade Project and the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Girls Night Out is hosted by the Downtown Camas Association and the Downtown Camas merchants.

“The DCA is excited for this meaningful event that brings lots of people to our downtown businesses, creates an atmosphere for ladies to have fun and increase awareness, and also helps support local women’s charities,” Schulstad said.

For more information and to pre-register, visit www.downtowncamas.com.