The Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show is bringing back the Shoppes of Christmas on Nov. 1 and plans for the Tellico Village tradition to be bigger than ever.
Shoppes of Christmas is a raffle event annually on the first Wednesday of November at the Yacht Club. All money raised goes to nonprofits and charities picked by luncheon attendees earlier in the year.
The effort raised nearly $15,000 for local charities in 2022. The hope this year is to raise more, Claire Manzo, Shoppes ticket seller and prize coordinator, said.
Every March and April, the women who attend the monthly luncheon write down their favorite local charities. Board members narrow the list and select that year’s recipients.
Manzo said the ladies give away all money earned from this event and others throughout the year at the end of the fiscal year in May.
Charities designated to receive funds include The Public Library at Tellico Village, Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding, CASA of East Tennessee, Monroe County Friends of Animals, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, Child Advocacy Center, Friends of Loudon County Animal Services, East Tennessee Miniature Horse Camp, Donkey Rescue, Good Samaritan Center of Loudon County and Iva’s Place.
“Our attendance has gone up each year,” Karen Sue Keith, luncheon president, said. “We made more money last year than we ever made before. (It’s) rather shocking for something that never started out to be a charity.”
The organization was started nearly 30 years ago as a way for women moving into the Village to meet other newcomers and residents. There weren’t many activities in the community for women at the time, so each month the ladies would meet, eat and see clothes from a local boutique or popular store.
When Keith took over as president about eight years ago, she decided change was needed and implemented monthly charity bakers. During meetings, a local charity would bring baked goods to sell for $3 and could keep all the money earned. Keith also decided to make Shoppes of Christmas focused on charity.
Before long, Keith grew Shoppes of Christmas to nearly double the size.
This year there will be 50 vendors with booths and more than 90 prizes for event-goers.
There is no admission fee, but tickets are required to participate. Vendors won’t accept cash, cards or checks during the Nov. 1 event. Ticket bundles range from six for $15 to 42 tickets for $20 leading up to the event. The prices go up the day of the event.
Some examples of prizes are a $300 Biltmore trip, one-hour seaplane ride on Tellico Lake or a Hiwassee Train ride for two, $250 for Dollywood tickets and a $100 gift card to TopGolf or a six-month Wellness Center membership. Gift certificates are also available to Texas Roadhouse, Benton’s, Lakeside Tavern, Razzberries, Edward Jones, Diamond Gallery, The Beauty Shop, Gallaher Spa and more.
Last year, nearly 900 people attended the Christmas event. With such high traffic in and around the Yacht Club, and an expectation for more attendees this year, there will be a complimentary shuttle service from the Tugaloo lot throughout the day.
Shoppes is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door, although purchasing in advance is recommended. The Blue Heron will be open by reservation only and serving a special brunch menu.
For more information or to buy tickets, call Manzo at 423-371-3123. She will also be settling tickets leading up to the event 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Yacht Club.
